What is a significant disadvantage of the MH-60S missions?

The significant disadvantage of the MH-60S missions being limited in range relates to the aircraft's operational capabilities. The MH-60S Seahawk is designed for various missions, including search and rescue, logistics support, and anti-surface warfare. However, its range can be a limiting factor in scenarios where extended reach is necessary, such as deep-water missions or operations in areas far from the carrier or support base.

Limited range can hinder operational effectiveness, as it might require more frequent refueling or restrict the areas in which the helicopter can operate, potentially leaving gaps in coverage. This limitation affects mission planning and execution, as the aircraft may not be able to respond as quickly or reach further distances without logistical support.

In contrast, other options like no self-defense capability might reflect certain operational scenarios but do not encompass the entirety of the missions the MH-60S can undertake. Likewise, heavy payload and high speed requirements relate to operational efficiency but do not signify a fundamental limitation like range does, which can centrally impact mission success.