10 Most Advanced and Deadly Anti-Submarine War Helicopters Ever

10 Most Advanced and Deadly Anti-Submarine War Helicopters Ever

International Military - One of the biggest fears of submarines is military helicopters. Specially designed military helicopter developed with anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Anti-submarine helicopters use sensors and weapons systems specifically designed to find, track, and even destroy submarines alone.

In addition, anti-submarine helicopters have also developed rapidly in recent years. So how does this type of helicopter work and why is this state-of-the-art product so efficient in its role?

First of all, anti-submarine warfare helicopters serve in a naval environment, while they mainly operate on ships (with suitable hangars), alone, or with one or two other similar aircraft. Their role is clear, anti-submarine warfare helicopters serve as aircraft that seek, detect and track enemy submarines and underwater vehicles.

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Many of the most modern helicopters of this type can carry out attack operations, although their payload limits their firepower. There are secondary tasks and missions that these aircraft can complete, but their main concern is finding each enemy submarine, using specially designed sensors and systems. Let's see what the ten most advanced helicopters of this type are capable of:

1. China's Z-9EC

China's Z-9EC

China's Z-9EC is a version of the Harbin Z-9 designed for Pakistan's armed forces. With a sophisticated system, powerful radar and capable low frequency sensors, the Z-9EC helicopter has very strong key features that make it a formidable war machine. The helicopter carries light torpedoes and operates on the Pakistani F-22P Zulfiquar class frigate.

2. US SH-2G Super Seasprite

US SH-2G Super Seasprite

The United States managed to upgrade the even more powerful SH-2 Seasprite with the SH-3 Super Seasprite version. Newer helicopters are being operated by Egypt, New Zealand and Poland. It can be armed with a variety of different weapons, such as anti-ship missiles, air-to-surface missiles (such as the AGM-65 Maverick), and Mk.50 torpedoes.

3. US-owned Sea King SH-3

US-owned Sea King SH-3

Another US helicopter on the list is the capable Sea King SH-3, manufactured by Sikorsky in the late 50s. Even if retired from the US Navy many years ago, newer basic versions are still active with other nations' armed forces. The SH-3 was the first amphibious helicopter.

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That is, the plane is the first helicopter capable of landing on water. The Sea King can carry a nuclear depth payload, while some versions (such as the SH-3H) can be equipped with two Mk 46.44 anti-submarine torpedoes.

4. UK's Westland Sea King

UK's Westland Sea King

Westland Helicopters obtained the production license for the SH-3 Sea King in the UK. Although, the company changed the avionics and anti-submarine equipment used by the US Navy. Even if the British armed forces no longer operate the Westland Sea King, helicopters are still active with many navies around the world.

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Similar to the SH-3, Sea King Westland can also land on the surface of the water. The aircraft operates with a crew of 2 to 4 people, depending on the needs of each mission. The helicopter can carry up to four Mk. 44, Mk. 46 or Stigray torpedoes or four deep payloads. Some export versions can even be armed with Exocet anti-ship missiles.

5. The Soviet Union's Ka-27PL

The Soviet Union's Ka-27PL

The Ka-27PL was the first version of the Soviet Ka-27 helicopter. Due to its two coaxial, counter-rotating rotors, this aircraft is very stable and easy to fly. The Ka-27PL carries the standard equipment typical of modern anti-submarine helicopters. That includes powerful sensors and advanced systems.

6. UK's AW159 Wildcat

UK's AW159 Wildcat

The AW159 is a small British helicopter with very modern sensors and systems. The helicopter carried two Stingray torpedoes or deep payloads. There is another armament option consisting of four Thales Martlet light multi-role air-to-surface missiles.

7. China's Z-18F

China's Z-18F

The Z-18F is a specially designed (for anti-submarine warfare) version of China's Z-18. Helicopters that seem to be produced in large numbers are referred to as the "Eagle of the Sea" by the Chinese.

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The Z-18F features a surface-searching radar and very capable sensors. It can also carry up to four light torpedoes or missiles. Reports say the helicopter may be able to detect ballistic missiles launched from the frigate against ships or aircraft escorting them.

8. NH90 France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands

NH90 France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands

The NH90 is the result of the first European program for anti-submarine warfare helicopters. These aircraft were manufactured by France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. Its 360 search radar, state-of-the-art sensors and magnetic anomaly detector make the helicopter impressive in its role.

9. AW101 by British and Italian

AW101 by British and Italian

AgustaWestland AW101 is a helicopter produced by British and Italian companies, is the flagship helicopter designed and developed to replace the Sea King. Many countries operate the aircraft, while some refer to it as the Merlin. This sonobuoy-equipped helicopter can operate independently in anti-submarine warfare missions.

10. US MH-60R Seahawk

US MH-60R Seahawk

Of course, the ideal position for the US MH-60R Seahawk is at the top of the list. This helicopter is used by the US Navy and Royal Australian Navy and operates primarily against surface targets.

The Seahawk has state-of-the-art active sensors and a search radar with an automatic periscope that can provide target differentiation. It also carries a sonobuoy that can be launched from the air. Last but not least, the armament could be two Mk.46, Mk.50, or Mk.53 light torpedoes, two Penguin AGM-119B anti-ship missiles, or four AGM-114 hellfire air-to-surface missiles.

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Additionally, there is an optional machine gun (7.62mm or 12.7mm) that can be mounted on any of the Seahawk doors. It should be noted that these helicopters are still being delivered to navies around the world (a good example is the Greek Navy waiting for the SH-60R anti-submarine warfare helicopter).

Other interesting features of this helicopter are its collapsible tail (to reduce size when not moving on board), a maximum cargo capacity of 2.7 tons that can be transported vertically, and two General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines, which can also found in the SH-60B helicopter.