Seahawk as an ASW methodology benchmark

The SH-60 Seahawk first flew in 1979 and entered service in 1984. Its widespread use helped make it a benchmark for US Navy and allied anti-submarine warfare (ASW). Early US operations concentrated capability on the parent ship, while other navies put more equipment aboard the helicopter; later Seahawks gained greater independence. British Lynx and Wildcat operations provide useful comparisons between those approaches. The larger Merlin follows a different operational method and is not a direct equivalent. The Seahawk represents one successful approach to shipborne ASW.