Sikorsky S-70-B2 Seahawk Royal Australian Navy

General Product Description

Our MyMahoganyModel Sikorsky S-70-B2 Seahawk Royal Australian Navy exhibits unique, unrivaled quality and detailed design to come as close as possible to the accuracy of the actual aircraft. It comes as standard with a robust, durable base or stand which is available in a variety of different finishes designed to match your own personal requirements including solid wood, wood with polished metal supports or adjustable wood wall mount and will be ready within about 9-10 weeks from placement of order.

The Sikorsky S-70-B2 Seahawk Royal Australian Navy is made of the finest kiln dried renewable mahogany wood (commonly known as Lauan or Meranti) which has undergone many stages of carving and meticulous and careful sanding giving the beautiful, finished museum quality masterpiece. Many collectors and model connoisseurs demonstrate their preference for genuine handmade and hand painted mahogany wood models rather than plastic or die cast (diecast) alternatives due to the overall look and totally different feel of the item - we trust you will find the same. We can however, if required produce the same model in Solid Cast Resin so just click and contact us for further information. Our craftsmen and gifted artisans ensure that our finely handcrafted model airplanes match the precise blueprint details of the original aircraft. The paint scheme, markings and parts are closely matched, reflecting the original aircraft. This stylish top-quality desktop replica model will surely enthrall anyone who receives this as a gift and for sure one of the most appropriate and desirably collectable gifts for any aviation enthusiast and avid helicopter model collector whilst also displaying a perfect resemblance to the actual real life heli.

If you require, we can also make the Sikorsky S-70-B2 Seahawk Royal Australian Navy in any other airline, private livery or colour scheme you require and if necessary, in a different size or scale. Just click here to contact us with a description or photographs of what you require, and we will let you have a quotation for the necessary customization by return email. We can also make bespoke scale replicas of any other private / civil commercial airliner or airliners, helicopter, glider, gliders with engines, military jet, warplane jets, propeller warplanes, biplane, triplane, tail fin, spacecraft, rocket or NASA model you require in any airline, military or civilian livery or colors. We also produce model airships, blimp, dirigible, blimps, boat and ship collectibles. Wall plaque or seal for military, government or private customers. Again, by clicking here to contact us just let us know exactly what you need.

Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawk: Maritime Backbone of the Royal Australian Navy

The Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawk has served as a vital component of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) since its introduction in the early 1990s. Designed for shipborne operations, the S-70B-2 is a navalized version of the proven Black Hawk platform, configured specifically for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), surveillance, and utility missions. Over decades of service, it became the backbone of the RAN’s rotary-wing capability before the transition to the newer MH-60R variant.

Background and Acquisition

The Royal Australian Navy selected the S-70B-2 Seahawk as a modern, multi-mission helicopter to replace the aging Westland Wessex and bolster the fleet’s capability to detect, track, and engage underwater and surface threats. The decision aligned with the RAN’s evolving focus on enhancing its maritime patrol and warfare readiness, especially in response to growing regional maritime challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

Australia procured 16 S-70B-2 Seahawks, which were delivered between 1988 and 1992. They were assigned to 816 Squadron, based at HMAS Albatross (Naval Air Station Nowra), and operated primarily from Adelaide-class guided missile frigates (FFGs) and later Anzac-class frigates.

Design and Features

The S-70B-2 Seahawk retains the core Black Hawk airframe but incorporates a suite of modifications for maritime operations. These include:

• Corrosion protection for saltwater environments

• Folding rotor blades and tail for compact storage aboard ships

• Advanced maritime radar and dipping sonar for ASW missions

• Sonobuoy deployment systems

• Naval mission avionics, including electronic support measures and radar warning receivers

• Weapons systems, such as torpedoes and anti-ship missiles

The aircraft is powered by two General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines, offering excellent power-to-weight ratio and reliability at sea. Its all-weather capability, robust build, and shipboard handling systems made it ideal for operating from frigates and other RAN warships in open seas and confined flight decks.

Performance

• Maximum speed: Approximately 145 knots (268 km/h)

• Range: Over 450 nautical miles (830 km)

• Service ceiling: Around 12,000 feet

• Endurance: About 3.5 hours

• Crew: Typically 3–4 (pilot, co-pilot, sensor operator, and tactical coordinator)

Its performance characteristics allowed it to operate deep into Australia’s maritime zones, enhancing fleet situational awareness and expanding the defensive reach of deployed naval task groups.

Operational Role in the RAN

The primary role of the S-70B-2 Seahawk in the Royal Australian Navy was anti-submarine warfare, which included detecting, tracking, and engaging enemy submarines using onboard sonar and torpedoes. The helicopter was also extensively used for:

• Anti-surface warfare, using radar and targeting systems to engage surface vessels

• Surveillance and reconnaissance, extending the eyes and ears of the fleet beyond the ship’s sensor horizon

• Search and rescue (SAR) operations, particularly in high seas

• Vertical replenishment (VERTREP) and utility transport

• Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC)

Aboard deployed frigates, the S-70B-2 dramatically increased the ship’s tactical flexibility and threat response time. It also played a valuable role in coalition operations, humanitarian missions, and maritime security patrols throughout the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions.

Service Record and Deployment

The Seahawk saw extensive operational use throughout its service life with the RAN. It supported border protection operations, participated in multinational exercises, and provided rotary-wing capability for long-term overseas deployments.

In particular, it was used during Operation Slipper in the Persian Gulf, providing surveillance and protection for Australian naval forces engaged in maritime security and counter-terrorism missions. It also supported peacekeeping and disaster relief efforts in East Timor, the Solomon Islands, and during regional natural disasters such as cyclones and tsunamis.

Transition to MH-60R and Retirement

After more than two decades of reliable service, the S-70B-2 fleet was gradually phased out in favor of the Sikorsky MH-60R Romeo, a next-generation maritime helicopter that offers enhanced sensor fusion, modern weapons systems, and improved interoperability with allied forces.

The RAN officially retired the S-70B-2 from active service in 2017, closing a distinguished chapter in the history of Australian naval aviation. Despite its retirement, the aircraft remains respected for its contributions to fleet operations, and several have been preserved for training, display, or heritage purposes.

Conclusion

The Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawk played a central role in the Royal Australian Navy’s airborne maritime operations for nearly three decades. Its multi-mission versatility, robust design, and strong maritime integration helped transform the RAN’s capability in anti-submarine and surface warfare. Reliable, capable, and combat-proven, the S-70B-2 represents an important era in Australian naval aviation history—one defined by adaptability, professionalism, and technological advancement.