helicopters

The Bell V-280 has beaten the Sikorsky Defiant X to the US Army FLRAA program

The Bell V-280 has beaten the Sikorsky Defiant X to the US Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program.

On Dec. 5, 2022, Bell Textron was awarded the development contract for the US Army’s FLRAA program. The award is based on Bell’s V-280 Valor tiltrotor, which was developed and tested as part of the Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator (JMR TD) program that began in 2013. The V-280 progressed through design, manufacturing, and more than three years of rigorous flight testing that provided extensive data validating the technical and operational advantages of the aircraft for the long-range assault mission.

“We are honored that the U.S. Army has selected the Bell V-280 Valor as its next-generation assault aircraft,” said Scott C. Donnelly, Textron’s chairman and chief executive officer, in a company news release. “We intend to honor that trust by building a truly remarkable and transformational weapon system to meet the Army’s mission requirements. We are excited to play an important role in the future of Army Aviation.”

“This is an exciting time for the U.S. Army, Bell, and Team Valor as we modernize the Army’s aviation capabilities for decades to come,” said Mitch Snyder, president and CEO of Bell. “Bell has a long history supporting Army Aviation and we are ready to equip Soldiers with the speed and range they need to compete and win using the most mature, reliable, and affordable high-performance long-range assault weapon system in the world.”

This award builds on a decade of the V-280 Valor’s progress through design, manufacturing, and thorough testing to demonstrate that this aircraft will deliver on the FLRAA program requirements. Bell and its industry partners have systematically validated the V-280 aircraft and their modular open systems approach in collaboration with the Army.

“For the past several years, the Bell team demonstrated the exceptional operational capabilities, digital thread synergies, and platform affordability enhancements the V-280 provides,” said Keith Flail, executive vice president, of Advanced Vertical Lift Systems at Bell. “Bell stands ready with our world-class manufacturing facilities to apply our nearly seven decades of tiltrotor expertise to deliver a modern FLRAA fleet to the Army.”

The initial contract refines the weapon system design, sustainment, digital enterprise, manufacturing, systems integration, flight-testing, and airworthiness qualification.

Combining the speed and range of the turboprop with advanced agility greater than a traditional helicopter, the Bell V-280 Valor offers better flight performance and lifecycle sustainability. According to Bell Textron, this weapon system was purpose-built to revolutionize US Army overmatch in multi-domain operations.

Built with the maintainer in mind, the Valor was designed to revolutionize the reach and effectiveness of each mission while offering unmatched maneuverability, reduced downtime, and ease of maintenance in the field.

With unparalleled mission equipment, V-280 pilots will operate in challenging visual environments and provide the ground forces with situational awareness en route and on the objective.

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, released the following statement on US Army FLRAA decision: “We remain confident Defiant X is the transformational aircraft the U.S. Army requires to accomplish its complex missions today and well into the future. We will evaluate our next steps after reviewing feedback from the Army.”

Photo by Danazar Own Work via Wikipedia

The innovative way to bring more firepower to the fight with the HH-60G scheduled to be retired has to be cost-effective and easily transferred to the new HH-60W Jolly Green II because of the similar design structures

The 943rd Rescue Group designed a concept to mount four additional M240 machine guns onto the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter to provide more firepower to the 920th Rescue Wing’s personnel recovery task force in contested environments.

According to a 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs news release, the wing searched for an innovative way to bring more firepower to the fight, and with the HH-60G scheduled to be retired, it had to be cost-effective and easily transferred to the new HH-60W Jolly Green II because of the similar design structures.

The 943rd RQG operated within three constraints: utilize only available resources; work within Air Force manuals and technical orders to the maximum extent possible; and have minimal impact on manpower.

Most HH-60 weapon configurations are comprised of two guns in any combination of the GAU-2C 7.62mm minigun, GAU 18/A .50 caliber machine gun, or M240 machine gun. The team had a goal of adding four additional weapons onto the aircraft and examined what would work on both platforms. It was discovered that the .50 caliber machine gun would not work because the floor design of the HH-60G would not support the torque applied by the GAU 18/A. The aircraft’s minigun also would not work because of the power required to operate the weapons.

“The M240 is multi-capable equipment for our personnel recovery task force that will enable us to perform contested-area combat search and rescue, logistics under attack, and agile combat employment. It will increase our offensive and defensive capabilities, at an extremely low cost, and give us flexibility for air and land use around the world,” said Col. Jes Hamilton, 920th RQW commander.

This concept required the integration or redesign of three separate parts to house two M240s on each door opening. First, a base stand from an existing cooperative project within the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve was found to meet the requirements. Second, an aircraft mount that was previously utilized by the 55th and 71st Special Operations Squadrons for their .50 caliber gunship operations was added to the base. Third, working in conjunction with industry partners, the group took an MK99 gun mount that was normally used for patrol boat operations to mount two M240-caliber machine guns and hold 1,200 rounds of ammunition. To use this mount, the 355th Maintenance Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base fabricated gun mount stops for proper operations within the aircraft.

In a rescue scenario, one HH-60 outfitted as a gunship would integrate with the CSAR task force and provide additional self-escort capabilities. Should that aircraft be needed for rescue, such as a mass casualty, noncombatant evacuation operation, or embassy evacuation; the guns can be removed within seconds, instantly becoming an additional rescue vehicle platform.

“As we perform forward operations at the edge of the battlespace, we will have multi-capable equipment that can be operated by multi-capable Airmen. As ACE operations advance, this airborne platform can become a land-based, defensive fighting position to defend an Initial Contingency Location/Temporary Contingency Location, or ICL-Forward,” said Lt. Col. Joe Romeo, 943rd Security Forces Squadron commander.

The next step in the process is operational testing in coordination with the Air Guard Air Reserve Test Center before the system can be used and fired on flying aircraft.

“This capability increases the lethality of the PRTF, and improves point defense in forward operations and also increases the capacity for airbase ground defense in support of the projection of airpower,” Romeo said.

The mission of the 943rd Rescue Group, located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, in Tucson, Arizona, is to perform day/night combat rescue missions; search for, locate, and recover US Air Force and other Department of Defense personnel involved with US defense activities; provide search and rescue support of civilians as directed by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center; and provide humanitarian and disaster relief operations at the request of the US Government through FEMA, foreign governments and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The parent unit of the 943rd Rescue Group is the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick AFB, Florida.

Photo by Andre Trinidad / U.S. Air Force

Completing the AH-1Z and UH-1Y deliveries to the US Marine Corps adds one more chapter to the legacy of the H-1 platform

In a ceremony at the Amarillo Assembly Center, Bell celebrated the delivery of the 189th AH-1Z Viper to the US Marine Corps (USMC), completing the Program of Record (POR) for the latest version of the storied H-1 platform. Bell completed the UH-1Y POR of 160 aircraft in 2018, bringing the combined H-1 POR to 349 aircraft.

“The first production lot of US Marine Corps H-1s was ordered in 1962, and they changed the way Marines fight today,” said Bell H-1 vice president and program director Mike Deslatte in a Bell News Release. “Completing the AH-1Z and UH-1Y deliveries to the US Marine Corps adds one more chapter to the legacy of the H-1 platform.”

Since 1956, more than 16,000 aircraft have been produced as part of the H-1 family of helicopters, popularly known as the Huey and Cobra. Originating from a 1955 US Army contract for a medical evacuation helicopter (the iconic “Huey”), the first Navy/Marine Corps Iroquois variant, the UH-1E, was first procured in 1964.

In 1966, Bell created the AH-1 Cobra as the first dedicated gunship. In 1970, the Bell UH-1N brought twin-engine capabilities to more than 28 countries, and in 1984, the AH-1W provided the USMC with increased attack helicopter capability.

The current generation AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom are the most agile, mobile, and survivable combination of aircraft used by the Department of Defense. The 85% common platforms are the only two aircraft with so much commonality, providing the Marines with logistical agility and reduced operating costs. The AH-1Z achieved initial operating capacity in February 2011 and the UH-1Y achieved initial operating capacity in August 2008. The first combined Viper/Venom deployment with a Marine Expeditionary Unit occurred in 2009.

“H-1s are key to the 2022 Marine Corps Aviation Plan,” said Col. Vasillios Pappas, Light/Attack Helicopters program manager (PMA-276). “With the US program of record now complete, the Marines have the flexibility to manage and deploy the helicopters based on current and future mission requirements as established at the start of the program.”

The H-1 production line is still active in support of foreign military sales to approved US allies. Bell continues to produce AH-1Z Vipers for the Kingdom of Bahrain and will manufacture eight UH-1Ys and four AH-1Zs for the Czech Republic in 2023.

Since the first delivery of the AH-1Zs and UH-1Ys to the USMC, the H-1 mixed fleet has accumulated more than 450,000 flight hours through a full spectrum of military operations.

The USMC replaced the AH-1W Super Cobra with the AH-1Z Viper and the UH-1N Huey with the UH-1Y Venom.

The AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter provides rotary wing close air support, anti-armor, anti-air, armed escort, armed/visual reconnaissance, and fire support coordination capabilities under day/night and adverse weather conditions for the USMC.

The UH-1Y Venom multi-role utility helicopter is equipped with a wide range of weapons and mission support configurations to also perform close air support missions, along with combat assault support, search and rescue/causality evacuation, armed escort/reconnaissance, command and control, and special operation support. UH-1Y Venom is the USMC’s premier utility platform.

Photo by U.S. Marine Corps

These Black Hawk flights show how existing and future piloted utility helicopters could one day fly complex missions in reduced crew or autonomous mode

Sikorsky and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have successfully demonstrated to the US Army for the first time how an uninhabited Black Hawk helicopter flying autonomously can safely and reliably perform internal and external cargo resupply missions and a rescue operation.

Performed on Oct. 12, 14, and 18 as part of the US Army’s Project Convergence 2022 (PC22) experiment, the flights show how existing and future piloted utility helicopters could one day fly complex missions in reduced crew or autonomous mode. As the video in this post shows, this would give Army commanders and aviators greater flexibility in how and when aircraft and pilots are used, especially in limited visibility or contested environments.

Why It Matters

Sikorsky is partnering with DARPA to develop autonomy technology that will exponentially improve the flight safety and efficiency of rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. Sikorsky’s autonomy system, known as MATRIX technology, forms the core of DARPA’s ALIAS (Aircrew Labor In-cockpit Automation System) project.

“We believe MATRIX technology is ready now for the transition to the Army as they look to modernize the enduring helicopter fleet and acquire Future Vertical Lift aircraft,” said Igor Cherepinsky, director of Sikorsky Innovations, in a Lockheed Martin news release. “In addition to increasing flight safety and reliability, MATRIX technology enables survivability in high tempo, high threat 21st Century Security environments where Black Hawk helicopters operate today, and Defiant X and Raider X helicopters could operate in the future. Uncrewed or reduced crewed helicopters could safely perform critical and lifesaving missions day or night in complex terrain and contested battlespace.”

The Yuma Details

During PC22 Technology Gateway, the Sikorsky and DARPA team showed how the optionally piloted Black Hawk helicopter with no humans on board can deliver a large quantity of blood product unharmed by flying low and fast above ground level using the terrain to mask its signature; resupply troops with an external load; and re-route mid-flight to evacuate a casualty.

To begin the flight demonstrations, pilots flew and landed the Black Hawk aircraft, then activated the MATRIX system to give full control to the flight computer. When the pilots exited, the helicopter autonomously completed the following mission demonstrations:

• Long-endurance Medical Resupply: The Black Hawk aircraft flew 83 miles while loaded with 400 units of real and simulated blood – totaling 500 pounds. On reaching 40 miles from its initial take-off point, the helicopter descended into a valley as low as 200 feet above ground level at 100 knots.
• Cargo Delivery and Casualty Evacuation (combined mission): The helicopter lifted off with a 2,600-pound external load attached to a 40-foot sling, and flew at 100 knots for 30 minutes toward a designated landing zone. While in flight, the helicopter was redirected, simulating a scenario in which a threat needed to be neutralized near the primary landing site. Sikorsky demonstrated how a ground operator with a secure radio and tablet can take control of the uncrewed helicopter, command it to release its sling load, and then land to evacuate a casualty from a nearby location. Once the manikin on a litter was secured inside the cabin, the ground operator launched the aircraft. During the return flight, a BATDOK health monitoring device integrated with the helicopter’s communications system relayed the patient’s vitals in real-time to a ground-based medical team.

What’s Next

The PC22 demonstrations were the second set of uninhabited Black Hawk flights this year. Sikorsky and DARPA will continue to work toward the transition of this technology for military operations, such as aircrew support and operations, logistics and medical resupply, casualty evacuation, and commercial applications such as firefighting, cargo, and urban air mobility.

As we have already reported, the Black Hawk helicopter involved in this project is the first-ever UH-60 that has flown autonomously and builds on recent demonstrations at the US Army’s Project Convergence 2021. It illustrates how ALIAS-enabled aircraft can help soldiers successfully execute complex missions with selectable levels of autonomy – and with increased safety and reliability. ALIAS technology and autonomy enable greater mission flexibility, increase safety, and allow end users to reimagine how they can use air vehicles on current and future battlefields.

The technology is not limited to a Black Hawk and is currently being incorporated into commercial and military fixed-wing aircraft. ALIAS will continue to advance optionally piloted technology with two additional aircraft demonstrations in the coming months.

Photo by Lockheed Martin

‘The AH-1Z Viper is faster and more maneuverable than the heavier AH-64D/E Apache. The drawback to this, however, is firepower,’ Caleb Posey, Apache Helicopter Repairman at US Army

The AH-1 Cobra is a two-blade rotor, single-engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It was developed using the engine, transmission, and rotor system of the Bell UH-1 Iroquois. A member of the prolific Huey family, the AH-1 is also referred to as the Huey Cobra or Snake.

The AH-1 was the backbone of the US Army’s attack helicopter fleet but has been replaced by the AH-64 Apache in Army service. Upgraded versions continue to fly with the militaries of several other nations. The AH-1 (AH-1W Super Cobra and AH-1Z Viper) twin-engine versions remain in service with the US Marine Corps (USMC) as the service’s primary attack helicopter.

But what are the differences between Cobra and Apache attack helicopters? And which one is better?

Caleb Posey, Apache Helicopter Repairman at US Army (2018–present), explains on Quora;

‘Well, the modern, AH-1Z Super Cobra (more correctly known as the Viper, but most of the crewmen/Marines I work with call it a Super Cobra, so I will refer to it as such from this point forward) is much lighter than the AH-64D/E Apache, and more aerodynamic as well. It has a modern 4-bladed rotor, and big, shiny new modern engines. This makes it faster and more maneuverable than the heavier Apache. You can see the size difference pretty easily:

‘The drawback to this, however, is firepower. The Super Cobra has a 20mm cannon vs. the Apache’s significantly more powerful 30mm. The payload is also much smaller, and the survivability of the airframe is not as good. The Super Cobra can be thought of as a “medium” attack helicopter, while the Apache is a “heavy.” The Little Bird is more of a “light.”

‘The Marines are the only ones to still use the Super Cobra, as it gives them a nice combination of firepower and mobility (like ease of transport and logistical support in addition to flight characteristics), while the Army prefers the heavier hitting Apache. That’s a very simplified explanation of the two birds, but I think it does the job.’

Posey continues;

‘I will be more specific here:

AH-1Z:

‘(The most powerful version, in current use by the USMC. One landed at my airfield yesterday.)

• Never exceed speed: 222 knots (255 mph, 411 km/h) in a dive
• Cruise speed: 160 kt (184 mph, 296 km/h)
• Range: 370 nmi (426 mi, 685 km)
• Service ceiling: 20,000+ ft (6,000+ m)
• Rate of climb: 2,790 ft/min (14.2 m/s)

AH-64E:

‘(The most powerful version in service, slowly replacing the older D model. I work on the E models daily.)

• Never exceed speed: 197 knots (227 mph, 365 km/h)
• Cruise speed: 143 knots (165 mph, 265 km/h)
• Range: 257 nmi (295 mi, 476 km) with Longbow radar mast
• Service ceiling: 21,000 ft (6,400 m) minimum loaded
• Rate of climb: 2,500 ft/min (12.7 m/s)

Posey concludes;

‘As you can see, the NEWEST version of the AH-1 is faster, with faster rate of climb, than the newest version of the AH-64 Apache.’

Photo by U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps

The declaration signifies that the USAF now possesses sufficient HH-60Ws, logistics requirements, and trained Airmen to support a 30-day deployment to any independent location with a package of four aircraft

Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, declared the HH-60W Jolly Green II has reached initial operational capability on Oct. 4, 2022.

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, designed and manufactured the HH-60W, which enables the US Air Force (USAF) to conduct rescue missions at greater ranges, in the most challenging environments, and with increased survivability.

As told by Capt. Lauren Gao, Air Combat Command Public Affairs, in the article HH-60W reaches initial operational capability, the declaration signifies that the USAF now possesses sufficient HH-60Ws, logistics requirements, and trained Airmen to support a 30-day deployment to any independent location with a package of four aircraft.

“It’s an exciting day for Combat Rescue as we bring a new platform and its upgraded capabilities into operation,” said Maj. Gen. David Lyons, Director of Operations at Air Combat Command. “This declaration is the culmination of years of hard work and vision. Current and future combat environments require us to maneuver further and faster than ever before, and the capabilities provided by the Jolly Green II support the platform’s viability for our Air Force Personnel Recovery core function for as long as possible.”

“This declaration is a vote of confidence from U.S. Air Force leadership and demonstrates the critical role of and need for the HH-60W,” said Nathalie Previte, vice president, of Sikorsky Army & Air Force Systems, in a Lockheed Martin news release. “Sikorsky is committed to continuing deliveries of the Department of Defense’s only dedicated combat search and rescue (CSAR) helicopter and to providing the most capable platform to rescue crews who depend on this aircraft day-in and day-out to conduct vital life-saving missions.”

The 23rd Wing at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, one of the first locations to receive the HH-60W, held a ceremony to mark the declaration on Sept. 9.

“The airmen of the 23rd Wing have done a tremendous job working with partners to get this aircraft combat-ready on time,” said Col. Russ Cook, 23rd Wing commander. “Bottom line, the future of Air Force Rescue is secure, and our team is ready to recover anybody, anytime, anywhere, against any adversary.”

As the sole dedicated combat rescue platform in the Department of Defense, the Jolly Green II Combat Rescue Helicopter builds on the decades-long legacy of USAF combat rescue and recapitalizes the critical combat search and rescue fleet providing USAF combat rescue warriors with the best capability for their critical and demanding lifesaving mission. The HH-60W Jolly Green II, which is replacing the aging HH-60G Pavehawk, was specially built for the Air Force’s combat rescue mission based on fully vetted operational requirements.

Leveraging the proven survivability and reliability of the H-60M Black Hawk, the HH-60W Jolly Green II incorporates advanced digital design techniques, an open architecture for rapid mission system integration, an air refueling system, upgraded survivability and defensive systems, cabin and cockpit armor, integrated weapons, and an increase in main fuel tank capacity to 644 gallons. These advanced technologies enable the Jolly Green II to meet the Combatant Commander’s demands of today and the emerging Joint All Domain Operations (JADO) requirements in near-peer competition and win in conflict.

Capability Highlights:

• Expanded aerodynamic and hover performance
• Increased main full tank – 644 gallons vs 360 gallons – and air refuellable for greater range
• Advanced and integrated survivability and defensive systems
• Expanded communications, including two Tactical Datalinks & Intel Receivers for Net-centric connectivity to operate in the joint-all domain environment
• Higher resolution sensors
• Larger main cabin
• Upgraded armor and ballistic protection

Sikorsky has delivered 24 aircraft to the Air Force, including all Engineering & Manufacturing Development and Lot 1 aircraft. Lot 2 deliveries, comprised of 12 aircraft, began in June of this year. Sikorsky has been awarded four production lots to date, most recently Lot 4 for 14 aircraft in February 2022. The contract for Lot 5 for an additional 10 or more aircraft is expected to be awarded by the Air Force in 2023.

Photo by Lockheed Martin and Airman 1st Class Deanna Muir / U.S. Air Force

Touting it as the next evolution of the current AH-64E v6 attack helicopter, the Modernized Apache can be differentiated externally from the classic Apache by its longer wing

During AUSA 2022, Boeing took the opportunity to unveil its Modernized Apache concept to leaders of the US Army, Alert 5 first noted.

Touting it as the next evolution of the current AH-64E v6 attack helicopter, the Modernized Apache can be differentiated externally from the classic Apache by its longer wing, which allows it to have three hard points per wing, upward-facing engine exhaust and the substitution of the chain gun with a laser turret.

According to Boeing’s website, ‘current Army plans call for the Apache to remain operational and an integral part of the service’s aviation forces for decades.

‘At Boeing, we understand that for the Army to maintain rotorcraft dominance in future Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), the Apache needs to be optimized to complement the next-generation platforms in the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) ecosystem. Moreover, we believe that it’s incumbent on all of us in the industry to keep bringing forward the best ideas and innovative solutions to meet the emerging and future needs of our Soldiers with speed and affordability.

‘And so, Boeing is proud and excited to introduce the Modernized Apache — a dominant, affordable concept built on the combat-proven Apache platform that represents the next evolution of the current AH-64E v6.

‘The Modernized Apache concept is capable of seamlessly and effectively meeting the Army’s evolving attack and reconnaissance requirements — including increased agility, interoperability, lethality, survivability and reach.

‘It also leverages, protects and preserves the established, worldwide industrial base already mature and in place to support future Apache engineering, manufacturing, development and production.’

To ensure that the Army can operate, fight, and win on the future MDO battlefield, the Modernized Apache will embrace and integrate cutting-edge technology to keep delivering the options and tools needed to support Soldiers on the ground.

The following six modernization elements provide the framework for the Apache’s evolution into the Modernized concept and offer the blueprint for continued dominance:

• Drivetrain upgrades to unlock Improved Turbine Engine (ITE) capabilities for enhanced power, range, efficiency and speed;
• A Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) for maximum interoperability, and faster integration and fielding of advanced capabilities;
• Advanced mission systems to increase interoperability to the network and to reduce pilot cognitive strain and workload during operations;
• Advanced sensors and sensor fusion for better and more resilient connectivity across domains and operations in all environmental conditions;
• Airborne long-range precision munitions, Air Launched Effects (ALE), and potential future directed energy weapon system integration for increased lethality;
• Advanced sustainment through a more capable and lower life cycle cost airframe, as well as affordable remanufacture and minimized procurement costs.

The AH-64 Apache was designed to be an extremely tough survivor under combat. The prototype Apache made its first flight in 1975 as the YAH-64, and in 1976, Hughes received a full-scale development contract. In 1982, the Army approved the program, now known as AH-64A Apache, for production. Deliveries began from the McDonnell Douglas plant at Mesa, Ariz., in 1984 — the year Hughes Helicopters became part of McDonnell Douglas.

Highly maneuverable and heavily armed, the combat-proven Apache helicopter is the backbone of the US Army’s all-weather, ground-support capability. The AH-64D Apache Longbow, which first flew as a prototype on May 14, 1992, provided a quantum leap in capability over the AH-64A. The Apache Longbow’s fire-control radar and advanced avionics suite gave combat pilots the ability to rapidly detect, classify, prioritize, and engage stationary or moving enemy targets at standoff ranges in nearly all-weather conditions. There is also an international Apache export version.

In 2003, the Army accepted the first advanced technology Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow, referred to as Block II. The Block II version incorporated advanced avionics, digital enhancements, and communications upgrades.

In 2011, Boeing delivered the first AH-64D Apache Block III multirole attack helicopter to the Army. Block III brought superior flight performance and increased networked communications capabilities. The AH-64D Apache Block III was renamed the AH-64E Apache “Guardian” in 2012.

From the AH-64A in 1984 to today’s AH-64E Version 6, or v6, the Apache has grown in leaps and bounds — time and again exceeding expectations and redefining the capabilities of the platform. The Apache has proven to be an extremely lethal attack helicopter platform as well as a very powerful and effective Reconnaissance platform.

Photo by Boeing

The Royal Australian Navy was the first international navy to select the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, acquiring 24 aircraft from 2013 to 2016

The US Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin a firm-fixed-price contract to produce an additional 12 Sikorsky (a Lockheed Martin company) MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Procured via the US Government’s Foreign Military Sales agreement, the new aircraft will add a third ‘Romeo’ squadron of unparalleled capability to the RAN’s Fleet Air Arm.

“The ‘Romeo’ Seahawk helicopter instills confidence in navies worldwide for its high operational availability in the harsh maritime environment, and for the fully integrated mission systems and sensors that quickly generate a complete picture of the surface and subsurface domains,” said Hamid Salim, vice president, Sikorsky Maritime & Mission Systems, in a Lockheed Martin news release. “We thank the RAN for showing confidence in the broad mission flexibility of this proven multi-role helicopter. Ongoing and planned upgrades to the MH-60R through partnership with the U.S. Navy, RAN, other international partners and industry will ensure the aircraft’s reliability and mission effectiveness against emerging threats for decades to come.”

As part of the Australian Government’s Project SEA 9100 Phase 1 (Improved Embarked Logistics Support Helicopter Capability), the 12 new MH-60R aircraft will create a common fleet of maritime helicopters supporting all of the RAN’s air capable platforms.

“Built upon a decade of partnership with the United States Navy and Lockheed Martin, the MH-60R ‘Romeo’ multi-mission helicopter provides the Royal Australian Navy with an unparalleled maritime aviation platform,” said Rear Adm. Peter Quinn, Head Navy Capability for the Royal Australian Navy. “The versatility of the MH-60R to conduct a wide range of missions combined with the world-class support provided by our partners, was a significant factor in the decision by the RAN to make an additional investment in MH-60R under the SEA 9100 Phase 1 program.”

Lockheed Martin plans to deliver all 12 MH-60R helicopters between mid-2025 and mid-2026. Sikorsky Aircraft Australia Limited in Nowra, New South Wales, currently provides depot level maintenance, supply support and logistics support for Australia’s MH-60R helicopter fleet.

“The additional 12 MH-60R SEAHAWK aircraft is a testament to the Royal Australian Navy’s commitment to providing their service men and women the right aircraft for their mission needs,” said Capt. Todd Evans, US Navy H-60 multi-mission helicopters program manager. “This effort continues the long-standing partnership between the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Navy.”

The RAN was the first international navy to select the MH-60R helicopter, acquiring 24 aircraft from 2013 to 2016. The Fleet Air Arm’s 725 and 816 squadrons based at Nowra have accumulated more than 30,000 flight hours embarked on frigates, destroyers and supply ships.

As the US Navy‘s next generation submarine hunter and anti-surface warfare helicopter, the MH-60R Seahawk is the cornerstone of the US Navy’s Helicopter Concept of Operations. Anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare are the MH-60R’s primary missions. Secondary missions include electromagnetic warfare, search and rescue, vertical replenishment, naval surface fire support, logistics support, personnel transport, medical evacuation, and VHF/UHF/link communication relay. The MH-60R and its mission systems have replaced the fleet’s legacy SH-60B and SH-60F aircraft.

Photo by Royal Australian Navy

Australia’s attempt to replace the troubled MRH-90 Taipan helicopter with the UH-60M has taken another step forward after the US government approved the potential Foreign Military Sale on Aug. 25, 2022

Australia’s attempt to replace the troubled MRH-90 Taipan helicopter with the UH-60M has taken another step forward after the US government approved the potential Foreign Military Sale on Aug. 25, 2022.

According to Transmittal No 22-51, ‘the State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.95 billion.

Additionally, in Transmittal No. 22-51 the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said that ‘The proposed sale will replace Australia’s current multi-role helicopter fleet with a more reliable and proven system that will allow Australia to maintain the appropriate level of readiness to conduct combined operations. The UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter will improve the Australian Army’s ability to deploy combat power to share Australia’s strategic environment, deter actions against its interests, and, when required, respond with credible force. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.’

As reported by Alert 5, in its justification to buy the UH-60M to replace the MRH-90, former Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton said last year that the “performance of the MRH-90 Taipan has been an ongoing and well-documented concern for Defence and there has been a significant effort at great expense to try to remediate those issues.”

The fleet of MRH-90 Taipan helicopters, which has been in service with the Australian Army since 2007, is constantly plagued by issues related to maintenance and poor availability of spare parts, although it is considered better than the Black Hawk performance-wise. As reported by The Eurasian Times, the decision to scrap the European-designed helicopter comes about a decade sooner than expected.

The Department of Defense said in 2020 that the Taipans’ doors were too narrow to allow for firing when troops descended from the chopper.

The MRH-90 was first delivered to the Army and Navy in 2004 and hasn’t yet achieved what it promised.

The MRH-90 multi-role helicopter replaced the existing Black Hawk and Sea King helicopter fleets. 46 MRH-90 aircraft have been acquired for the Navy and Army.

The first two aircraft were accepted into service in Brisbane on Dec. 18, 2007.

Since its induction in the Australian Military, the helicopter has been plagued by maintenance troubles. In early 2021, the Australian military’s fleet of 47 MRH-90 Taipan helicopters was grounded due to maintenance and safety issues with the aircraft’s support system.

The fleet was grounded in 2019 as well, due to severe tail rotor vibration and delamination, which necessitated the replacement of tail rotors throughout the fleet.

The Defense Department stated in 2020 that it was spending more than $37 million in Townsville to hire civilian helicopters to retain capability while it dealt with long-standing issues with the MRH-90 Taipans.

Photo by Capt. Brian Harris / U.S. Army and Royal Australian Navy

After an undisclosed number of recent engine fires the US Army has grounded the entirety of its CH-47 Chinook helicopter fleet “out of an abundance of caution.”

After an undisclosed number of recent engine fires, the US Army has grounded the entirety of its CH-47 Chinook helicopter fleet “out of an abundance of caution,” the service confirmed on Aug. 30, 2022.

The news of shutting down the CH-47 helicopters was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. No deaths or injuries occurred due to the fires.

US Army spokesperson Cynthia Smith attributed the issue to fuel leaks in a statement emailed to Army Times. She said that the service has “identified the root cause” of the leaks and “is implementing corrective measures to resolve this issue.”

The leaks were due to faulty aftermarket O-rings that weren’t produced by engine manufacturer Honeywell International, the company told the Army Times.

“In full coordination with the U.S. Army, Honeywell helped discover that O-rings not meeting Honeywell design specifications had been installed in some T55 engines during routine and scheduled maintenance at an Army Depot,” the statement said. “It is believed these suspect O-Rings have been identified and isolated.”

Smith’s statement tried to downplay the scope of the problem, declaring that “some aircraft may not require corrective measures and may soon return to normal flight operations.”

The US Army spokesperson did not specify how many aircraft had caught fire and how many required corrective maintenance. Service officials have identified at least 70 aircraft with the faulty part out of the Army’s approximately 400 Chinooks, the Wall Street Journal reported.

While a joint team of Honeywell and Army engineers identified the engine problem, it’s not clear when they realized they needed to look for it.

An incident where a hovering Chinook had to land and use its fire suppression system to address “a small active fire near the aft portion of the No. 2 engine,” was highlighted in a July aviation safety bulletin published by the service’s Combat Readiness Center.

Smith added that the grounding was meant to “ensure our aircraft remain safe and airworthy.”

The CH-47 Chinook is the US Army’s only heavy-lift cargo helicopter, supporting critical combat and non-combat operations.

The CH-47 supports a full spectrum of operations, including disaster relief, homeland defense and security, and current overseas contingency operations, with a Future Force system design.

The first fully equipped US Army Chinook, designated the CH-47A, entered service in August 1962 with a gross weight of 33,000 pounds (14,969 kilograms).

The current CH-47F is an advanced multimission helicopter with a fully integrated, digital cockpit management system, Common Avionics Architecture Cockpit, and advanced cargo-handling capabilities that complement the aircraft’s mission performance and handling characteristics.

The Army Special Operations Command MH-47G combines many proven Chinook systems and features. Notable among these are fuel tanks providing twice the capacity of the CH-47F and an in-flight refueling system. MH-47Gs are remanufactured on the common MH-47G/CH-47F production line.

Photo by Acroterion Own work via Wikipedia