USN Heli Plan
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The US Army’s UH-60 Black Hawks have always had a naval counterpart. SH-60B/F Seahawk/ LAMPS helicopters were outfitted with maritime radar, sonobuoys, and other specialized equipment that let them perform a wide variety of roles, from supply and transport, to anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and even surface attack with torpedoes or Kongsberg’s AGM-119 Penguin missiles. Like their land-based counterparts, however, the Seahawks are getting older. The Reagan defense build-up is receding into history, and its products are wearing out.
European countries chose to build new designs like the medium-heavy EH101 and the NH90 medium helicopter. They’re larger than the H-60s, make heavy use of corrosion-proof composites, and add new features like rear ramps. The USA, in contrast, decided to upgrade existing H-60 designs for the Army and Navy. Hence the MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopter (aka. “Romeo”) and MH-60S (aka. “Sierra”) Seahawks. MH-60Rs and MH-60Ss will eventually replace all SH-60B/F & HH-60H Seahawks, HH-1N Hueys, UH-3H Sea Kings, and CH-46D Sea Knight helicopters currently in the US Navy’s inventory. Both programs are underway, and will be covered in this DID FOCUS Article.
The New Sikorsky Seahawks
Romeo, Armed: The MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopter
SH-60F over CG 55
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Before this program began, MH- was the traditional designation for special forces aircraft, but the Navy has now adopted it to stand for “multi-mission.” Confusing nomenclature aside, the new MH-60R/S helicopters will be the backbone of the US Navy’s future helicopter force.
The ‘Romeo’ multi-mission Seahawks will erase a previous division of labor. The previous SH-60F traditionally handled the advanced dipping sonar, and performed utility and rescue tasks, while the SH-60B used its radar for wider anti-submarine sweeps, and was armed with a wider array of weapons beyond torpedoes and door guns. That division of labor is being erased by the MH-60R, which can handle all surface attack and anti-submarine roles by itself. Secondary missions that include directing naval surface fire support, search and rescue, vertical replenishment, logistics support, personnel transport, medical evacuation and communications and data relay. At one time, it was informally known as the “Strikehawk.” The MH-60R will replace the faster and longer-range S-3 Viking sea control jet, as well as existing Seahawks.
The U.S. Navy had planned to convert all of its SH-60B/Fs to multi-mission H-60Rs (“R” for “remanufactured”). The new version would feature a multi-mode, long-range search radar that can automatically detect and track an increased number of surface vessels, low frequency dipping sonar that provides significantly increased range for detecting submarines, an advanced electro-optical surveillance and target designation turret, the addition of Hellfire anti-armor missile capabilities, an integrated self-defense suite, and a host of other improvements that include a new cabin, a service life extension for the tail, and new avionics including Link 16 datalink connectivity.
In 2001, the US Navy restructured the SH-60R program from a remanufacture of the existing U. S. Navy SH-60 fleet to a new procurement program that would remanufacture only 7 helicopters, and build the rest new. This would keep existing SH-60s available for duty, while supplying new-generation helicopters with longer wear lifespans.
Initial production MH-60Rs were delivered to U.S. Navy training squadron HSM-41, at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, CA. The first MH-60R operational squadron was the HSM-71 “Raptors,” also based at NAS North Island in San Diego, CA. The squadron stood up in October 2007, and made their first deployment in April 2009 as part of the USS John C. Stennis [CVN 74] aircraft carrier strike group.
Australia became the MH-60R’s 1st export customer in 2011, with an order for 24, but the RAN doesn’t have any serving helicopters yet. Formal requests have also been placed by Denmark (2010, for 10), Qatar (2012, for 10), and South Korea (2011, for 8). India and Saudi Arabia are other countries that have reportedly evaluated the MH-60R, but haven’t placed a formal export request.
Avionics & Sensors
Common cockpit
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Mission systems and integration are bought as a separate item, through a multi-year contract with Lockheed Martin Systems Integration of Owego, NY (see Aug 15/07 entry). They include:
Common cockpit: The new MH-60R common “glass” cockpit is based on display screens rather than dials, and will be shared with the MH-60S. This will allow pilots to switch from one aircraft type to another with greater ease and will reduce the logistic support infrastructure, resulting in lower cost of ownership. It integrates 4 Night Vision Device compatible 8×10 inch color active matrix liquid crystal displays, and provides the operators with: Dual integrated programmable keysets for data entry and mission management; Dual prime/backup flight management computers allowing redundancy for all flight critical operations; Audio management computer providing digital audio for flight communications and sensors; Dual embedded global positioning inertial navigation (EGI) system that includes all weather coupled hover operations.
In the MH-60R models and MH-60S Block 2A+ configurations, one of the flight management computers is replaced with a mission computer providing all flight related capabilities plus multiple sensor/weapon data fusion. The cockpit as a whole received Instrument Flight Conditions certification in September 2001, the first NAVAIR IMC certification issued to a glass cockpit.
MTS EO: Like the MH-60S, the “Romeos” feature an advanced multi-spectral electro-optical turret, but they use the more advanced Raytheon AN/AAS-52 MTS (Multi-spectral Targeting System) with a wider field of view.
Radar: Unlike their MH-60S counterparts, however, the MH-60Rs can be distinguished by the cylindrical naval radar profile on their undersides, characteristic of anti-submarine helicopters around the world. Telephonics’ AN/APS-147 (now APS-153) radar was designed to meet both blue water and shallow/coastal littoral performance requirements in all weather conditions, providing day and night maritime domain surveillance that includes small target detection even amidst wave clutter, Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) imaging, and a unique Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) interrogator capability which is readily upgradeable and fully integrated with the helicopter’s combat systems. The AN/APS-153 upgrade adds hardware and software to handle an Automatic Radar Periscope Detection and Discrimination System (APRDDS), which automatically discriminates between periscopes and other small surface objects.
Sonar: The MH-60Rs will also have full sonar capabilities via their Raytheon/Thales AN/AQS-22 Airborne Low-Frequency Sonar (ALFS) and sonobuoys, a big change from the past when bulky electronics forced Sikorsky to split the radar and sonar roles between the SH-60B (radar) and SH-60F (sonar). HSM-71′s Cmdr. Michael K. Nortier has said that this fusion, plus other advances, enables his MH-60R squadron to provide 5x-10x better coverage of the strike group than previous helicopters, and ALFS itself is proving to be much more sensitive than previous systems.
Weapons & Upgrades
MH-60Rs fire Hellfire
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Weapons: Initial MH-60R armament will include a wide range of systems, from Mk.46 or Mk.54 lightweight torpedoes, to Penguin anti-ship missiles, Hellfire anti-armor missiles, DAGR laser-guided 70mm rockets, and machine guns.
Upgrades: Lot I-II production MH-60R helicopters were equipped with SysConfig 19.9 software, as well as all of the advanced equipment originally planned for the type. Part-way through Lot III (6 helicopters), after around 10 production helicopters, the software leapt ahead to SysConfig 46. Those helicopters added IMDS prognostics in key mechanical areas, along with updates to the ALE-47 countermeasures. These are MH-60R Block 1.
Subsequent MH-60Rs upgraded to next-generation SysConfig 58 software, and add an array of new equipment. These “Block 2″ [DID reference] helicopters will add the DoD-wide Joint Mission Planning System, improved internal wireless, satellite, and radio communications, and:
A Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) with audible alerts like “roll left,” “pull up!” etc.
Link-16, for a common tactical picture shared with other ships and aircraft;
A “SAASM EGI” Embedded GPS Inertial Navigation System with better resistance to countermeasures;
Upgrades to the Identification, Friend or Foe (IFF) system via Mode 5 IFF’s much improved algorithm, encryption, range, and civil compatibility. It also adds “lethal interrogation” as a must-respond last chance, and the ability to see individual aircraft even when they’re close together. The further addition of Mode S assigns a discrete ‘squawk’ which is unique to that aircraft. Together, they improve combat identification and enable unrestricted flight in civilian airspace.
Upgrades planned after 2010 include electronic surveillance capabilities (Copperfield 2 ELINT and Dragonfly COMINT), integration of conventional 70mm and APKWS-II laser-guided rockets into MH-60R and MH-60S Block 3s, and other improvements in their anti-submarine capability.
Hawklink: The other component of note is a project called “Hawklink,” which aims to improve the helicopters’ Common Data Link. Why does Hawklink matter? In a word, bandwidth. MH-60R and SH-60B Seahawks currently send data across the C-band microwave frequency range. Using the Ku band and the high definition SAU 07000 Ship Air Upgrade interface will create point-to-point Internet-equivalent connectivity between the MH-60R and the ship, enabling both to publish and subscribe for information. That would allow a ship or strike group to request specific data from the helicopter, simultaneously receive streaming imagery and other messages, and capture ever greater levels of detail about multiple targets.
MH-60R Lite. While the USA is looking for ongoing upgrades, some countries are more interested in downgrades. In 2011, reports surfaced of a planned “MH-60R Lite” variant, which would make the ALFS dipping sonar a removable option. That would improve its range, and increase cabin space from 3 people to 8, at the expense of limiting its anti-submarine capability without ALFS. Lockheed Martin was even contemplating a version that also removes the sonobuoy launcher and acoustic processors, leaving a helicopter with just surface attack, search and rescue, and utility helicopter capabilities. It would really be more of an MH-60S+, with an advanced maritime radar and other electronics improvements.
Denmark ended up buying that full downgrade in 2012. Their helicopters will be missing both ALFS and sonobuoys.
Blue Collar Sierra: The MH-60S
MH60S & CH-46E
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The MH-60S entered service in 2002 as a replacement for the US Navy’s Boeing CH-46D Sea Knight, flown mostly in utility roles that involve moving cargo between ships. There was a fair bit of discussion about renaming it the “MH-60S Knighthawk” in honor of its predecessor, a move that would also have distinguished it from the MH-60R Seahawk; indeed, several official Navy releases featured this nomenclature. Unfortunately, the Navy decided to add type confusion to the special forces nomenclature confusion by referring to both MH-60 helicopters as “Seahawks.”
With the addition of the MH-60S program, the U.S. Navy will become an all H-60 helicopter fleet. Its roles will encompass troop transport, search and rescue, and other standard roles. The ‘Sierras’ will also become the Navy’s primary mine countermeasures platform. The US Marines, in contrast, are scheduled to replace their CH-46Es with MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotors. If the Navy continues to decline investment in 48 HV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft of its own for combat search and rescue, special warfare, and fleet logistics support duties, the MH-60S will formally add its already-emerging assignment as the primary naval helicopter for those roles.
The US Navy expects to buy 275 MH-60S helicopters:
50 Block 1
225 Block 3, with all Block 2s scheduled for retrofit
So far, Thailand is the only MH-60S export customer, with a pair of helicopters in service. Formal DSCA export requests were also placed by South Korea in 2009, and by Qatar in 2011 and 2012, but have yet to result in contracts.
MH-60S: Block 1 to Block 3
AMCM Components
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Initial MH-60S deliveries are Block 1 aircraft with glass cockpits and data buses, but little specialized mission equipment. They appear to be destined for supply, utility, and training roles only, as they will be the only helicopters without Link 16′s common tactical picture capability at the program’s end.
Structurally strengthened Block 2A and B helicopters added the “common console,” an auxiliary fuel tank, and the ability to carry the Airborne Mine Counter-Measures (AMCM) kit. Link 16 will be backfit into existing Block 2 aircraft after its introduction in Block 3B, allowing the automated transmission of a common tactical picture shared with other ships and aircraft. This will convert MH-60S Block 2As into Block 2Bs.
The US Navy plans to buy a total of 66 AMCM ancillary kits. These new MH-60S AMCM helicopters will eventually have 5 mine-hunting systems available to them: [1] towed AN/AQS-20 sonar, [2] OASIS acoustic/magnetic minesweeper, [3] AMNS remotely piloted anti-mine torpedo delivery, [4] ALMDS mine-detecting laser and [5] RAMICS 30mm mine-detonating cannon with super-cavitating ammunition. This will give the MH-60S the ability to sweep for mines from any ship, a capability that is presently found only in the much larger MH-53E Sea Dragon dedicated mine sweeping helicopters. MH-60S AMCM helicopters will also have some secondary anti-submarine detection and prosecution capability.
MH-60S Hellfire test
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MH-60S Block 3A aircraft are slated to add armament kits, including an AN/AAS-44C electro-optical turrets similar to those mounted on existing SH-60 and HH-60 Seahawks; integration for Hellfire anti-armor missiles (8) or DAGR laser-guided rockets (32); .50 caliber (GAU-21/M3M) and 7.62 mm (M240B) machine guns. Other changes include IMDS(Integrated Mechanical Diagnostic System) prognostics for key mechanical areas, a Digital Map System, and kneeboard and floor armor. These helicopters will receive Link 16 backfit upgrades as well, after this capability is introduced in Block 3B.
The final MH-60S Block 3B version, which will make up the vast majority of the fleet after all retrofits are done, will begin production using SysConfig 58 software and the upgrades described above for the MH-60R “Block 2″, plus the DALS Downed Aircrew Locator System. It receives signals from survival radios and can GPS-locate them, then send voice communications, or use quieter text messages.
Additional improvements may be added over time, and some of the helicopter’s sub-systems like AMCM can also be expected to evolve.
The MH-60R/S Program
MH-60R: ALFS & Hellfires
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With the Reagan defense build-up receding into history, the US Navy believed that technology advances offered the prospect of integrating greater capabilities into each machine, without having to spend much on R&D. Unlike new-design, new-materials projects like the EH101 and NH90 in Europe, or Sikorsky’s H-92 Superhawk (CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter) on order for Canada, the US Navy decided that enhancing the proven H-60 Seahawk design would be the most cost-effective recapitalization option. Hence the MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopter (aka. “Romeo”) and MH-60S (aka. “Sierra”).
Each program is currently set within the 5-year MYP-VII multi-year procurement deal that runs from FY 2007-2012, and also includes US Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and foreign military sales. The MH-60R is under an initial deal following full-rate production authorization, while the MH-60S’ MYP-VII totals represent a production extension.
The US Navy originally planned to field 254 MH-60R “Romeo” helicopters, but that figure was officially raised to 300 in April 2010, with production now set to end in 2018. The Navy’s deployment plan will do away with existing Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light (HSL) squadrons, while fielding a total of 23 squadrons: 19 Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadrons (HSM) squadrons, 2 HSM training squadrons, and 2 Test & Evaluation squadrons. The HSMs will include 10 Carrier Strike Group squadrons with 11 MH-60Rs each, 8 Expeditionary squadrons with 8-14 each, and the HSM-60 reserve squadron with 7 MH-60Rs. Training squadrons will include HSM-40 with 19 helicopters, and HSM-41 with 23. Test & Evaluation squadrons VX-1 and HX-21 will each receive 7 MH-60Rs.
As of September 2011, the US Navy has received 107 MH-60Rs. Total MH-60R acquisition costs are expected to be approximately $12 billion over the life of the program, and include the cost of government-furnished equipment (radar, avionics, ground-maintenance equipment, training materials, etc.) and secondary contractors like Lockheed Martin, as well as the cost of the helicopters themselves. MH-60R production for the US Navy is scheduled to end in 2018, but Australia’s 24-helicopter buy seems set to extend it a bit, and more foreign orders would keep the line open longer.
When fully deployed, the Navy will field 275 MH-60S “Sierra” helicopters in 23 squadrons – 16 Active, 3 test, 2 Reserve and 2 Training squadrons, with 40 aircraft in the training squadrons. There will also be MH-60S helicopters in each of 5 Search and Rescue (SAR) stations around the USA.
As of September 2011, Sikorsky has delivered 201 MH-60S helicopters to the US Navy. Barring additional foreign orders beyond Thailand (2), production is slated to end in 2016.
MH-60R/S Budgets
Budgeted program amounts for each helicopter type break down as follow. RDT&E stands for “Research, Development, Test, & Evaluation,” and “procurement” also includes long-lead time materials for subsequent years’ production:
MH-60R/S Contracts and Key Events
MH-60S w. AQS-20
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Editorial note: the MH-60 helicopters have a wide variety of ancillary equipment. The rule we use here at DID is that if it’s not an integral part of operating the helicopter, we cover it separately. Flight trainers and maintenance are an integral part of operating the helicopter, so they’re covered. A weapon or other switch-in item is not integral. The MH-60S’ AMCM mine countermeasures set is an example of switch-in optional gear – though modifying the helicopters to be able to accept the AMCM components is covered, because that aspect is integral. Likewise, the MH-60R has been sold without its ALFS dipping sonar. Note that for some integral items, like the MTS surveillance and targeting turrets, it isn’t always possible to connect every order with the MH-60.
Unless otherwise specified, all contracts are managed by US Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD. The exception is new helicopters, which are now being bought under a multi-year joint contract managed by the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) at Redstone Arsenal, AL.
MH-60S helicopters receive engines from GE and a common cockpit from Lockheed Martin, which are installed by Sikorsky. When an MH-60S leaves Sikorsky, it’s done. If the Navy wants to add modifications like AMCM gear later, that’s their business. For MH-60Rs, on the other hand, they leave Sikorsky without their common cockpit or any mission equipment. The US Navy flies them to Lockheed Martin in Owego, NY for full outfitting with their maritime radar, dipping sonar, sonobuoy launcher, cockpit, etc.
FY 2013
FY 2013 buy; Danish buy MH-60R Lite.
MH-60S: Rescue diver
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June 26/13: Denmark. Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training in Owego, NY receives a $30.3 million firm-fixed-price modification under an existing multi-year contract for 9 MH-60R Mission Avionics Systems and Common Cockpits. It’s part of Denmark’s 9-helicopter “MH-60R Lite” Foreign Military Sale (vid. Nov 19/12 entry), and all funds are committed immediately.
Work will be performed in Owego, NY (71%); Farmingdale, NY (10%); Woodland Hills, CA (8%); Cedar Rapids, IA (3%); Ciudad Real, Spain (3%); Bennington, VT (2%); Lewisville, TX (1%); and various locations throughout the United States (2%), and is expected to be complete in April 2018. US Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-11-C-0020).
June 25/13: Hawklink. L-3 Communications, Communication Systems–West in Salt Lake City, UT receives a $6.7 million firm-fixed-price contract modification for 5 Common Data Link Hawklink AN/SRQ-4 radio terminal sets, in support of US Navy MH-60R (4) and US Coast Guard (1) helicopters. All funds are committed immediately, using FY 2012 Coast Guard and FY 2013 US Navy funds.
Work will be performed in Salt Lake City, Utah (60%); Atlanta, GA (14%); Mountain View, CA (6%); Exeter, NH (2%); and Phoenix, AZ; El Cajon, CA; Oxnard, CA; Salinas, CA; Sunnyvale, CA; Boise, ID; Derby, KS; Littleton, MA; Stow, MA; Minnetonka, MN; Skokie, IL; Dover, NH; Bohemia, NY; York Haven, PA; Providence, RI; Cedar Park, TX; Ft. Worth, TX; and Toronto, Canada (1% each), and is expected to be complete in May 2015. $1.3 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept 30/13. US Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD manages the contract (N00019-12-C-2024).
Jan 16/13: Korea. The MH-60R loses the MH-X finals to AgustaWestland’s AW159 Wildcat, with AW159 deliveries planned from 2015-2016. South Korea’s DAPA spokesperson Baek Yun-hyung:
“The Wildcat was deemed superior in three of four fields: cost, operational suitability, and contractual arrangements…. The overall consensus is that the Wildcat is the better option…. In joint operations the US model is superior but both models meet our performance requirements.”
South Korea
Dec 28/12: Hawklink. L-3 Communications Communication Systems West in Salt Lake City, UT receives a $16.9 million firm-fixed-price contract modification for Common Data Link Hawklink systems, incl. 31 AN/ARQ-59 radio terminal sets for the MH-60R.
Work will be performed in Salt Lake City, UT (60%); Atlanta, GA (14%); Mountain View, CA(6%); Exeter, NH (2%); and Phoenix, AZ; El Cajon, CA; Oxnard, CA; Salinas, CA; Sunnyvale, CA; Boise, Idaho; Derby, KS; Littleton, MA; Stow, MA; Minnetonka, MN; Skokie, IL; Dover, NH; Bohemia, NY; York Haven, PA; Providence, RI; Cedar Park, TX; Ft. Worth, TX; and Toronto, Canada (1% each), and is expected to be complete in March 2016. All contract funds are committed immediately (N00019-12-C-2024).
Dec 18/12: MTS. Raytheon in McKinney, TX receives an $18.4 million firm-fixed-price order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement for 19 multi-spectral targeting systems for the MH-60R/S helicopter.
Work will be performed in McKinney, TX and is expected to be complete by December 2014. This non-commercial contract was procured and solicited on a sole source basis in accordance with the statutory authority of 10 USC 2304c1. The US Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane, IN (N00164-12-G-JQ66, 0026).
Dec 11/12: FY 2013. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. in Stratford, CT receives a $563.8 million firm-fixed-price contract modification, which funds the Navy’s 2nd Program Year of the MYP-8 multi-year program. Sikorsky tells us that Year 2 buys 18 MH-60S Production Lot 15 helicopters for delivery in 2013-2014, and 19 MH-60R Production Lot 11 Helicopters for delivery in 2014. The contract also covers sustaining engineering, and the usual set of advance materials for the next production lots.
Work will be performed in Stratford, CT, with an estimated completion date of Sept 30/16. One bid was solicited, with 1 bid received (W58RGZ-12-C-0008).
FY 2013: 18 MH-60S, 19 MH-60R
Dec 6/12: GPS sonobuoys. US FBO.gov:
“The Naval Air Systems Command intends to negotiate a sole source order under a Basic Ordering Agreement with Lockheed-Martin Mission and Sensor Systems (LM MS2). It is anticipated that this contract action will be a Cost Plus Fixed Fee order to implement reception and processing capability of GPS-enabled sonobuoys into the MH-60R. This effort includes updates to the operator display and other software changes, and laboratory checkout through simulation.”
Nov 21/12: Denmark. Denmark’s Forsvarsministeriet announces that it has picked the MH-60R for a 9-helicopter buy, to replace their existing fleet of 7 AgustaWestland Lynx 90B machines. The DKR 4 billion (about $686 million) choice must next be approved by the Finance Ministry, and then passed in a budget by Parliament. That’s expected to happen, and it would be followed by deliveries from 2016 – 2018.
The US Foreign Military Sale request is already issued (vid. Dec 2/10 entry) for up to 12 machines, so the path to a deal is clear. A cost per helicopter of $76.2 million is high, but small helicopter buys of a new type also incur costs for training, spares, and initial support.
Denmark had been widely reported as a potential customer for a stripped-down MH-60R with reduced capabilities (vid. Nov 4/11 entry), and Sikorsky has since confirmed to DID that the Danish helicopters will remove most anti-submarine equipment. Danish MH-60Rs will be missing their sonobuoy launchers and ALFS FLASH dipping sonar, which will increase their available internal cabin space for transport missions. Danish Forsvarsministeriet [in Danish] | Sikorsky | Flight International | Jane’s .
Denmark: 9 MH-60R Lite
FY 2012
MH-60R w. ALFS
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Sept 11/12: Hawklink. L-3 Communications – Communication Systems – West in Salt Lake City, UT receives a $27.9 million firm-fixed-price contract for the manufacture, test, delivery and support of the Common Data Link Hawklink system, including 7 AN/SRQ-4 Ku-band Radio Terminal Sets for ship small surface combatants, and 29 AN/ARQ-58 RTSs for MH-60R helicopters.
Work will be performed in Salt Lake City, UT (60%); Atlanta, GA (14%); Mountain View, CA (6%); Exeter, NH (2%); and Phoenix, AZ; El Cajon, CA; Oxnard, CA; Salinas, CA; Sunnyvale, CA; Boise, ID; Derby, KS; Littleton, MA; Stow, MA; Minnetonka, MN; Skokie, IL; Dover, NH; Bohemia, NY; York Haven, PA; Providence, RI; Cedar Park, TX; Ft. Worth, TX; Toronto, Canada (1%) each and is expected to be complete in September 2015. This contract was competitively procured under an electronic request for proposals, with 1 offer received by US NAVAIR in Patuxent River, MD (N00019-12-C-2024). See also L-3 Communications.
July 11/12: MYP-8. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. in Stratford, CT receives a firm-fixed-price umbrella contract to buy and provide initial support for up to 916 UH/HH/MH-60 Helicopters for the US Army and US Navy, with Foreign Military Sales options. The Pentagon announces the initial total as $2.828 billion, which probably allocated funds for initial helicopter.
Sikorsky puts the base contract’s total value at $8.5 billion. Sikorsky also breaks up the MYP-8 contract into an $8.5 billion base for 653 helicopters, plus options for up to 263 more that could push the contract as high as $11.7 billion, including Foreign Military Sales.
Those totals compare to $7.4 billion for 537 helicopters in MYP-7, plus 263 additional options that Sikorsky said could push the contract to $11.6 billion for 800 helicopters. Orders ended up falling well short of that total, but the options were there. Read “Sikorsky’s $8.5-11.7B “Multi-Year 8″ H-60 Helicopter Contract” for full coverage.
MYP-VIII Multi-Year Framework
June 28/12: Qatar. The US DSCA announces [PDF] a Foreign Military Sale request from the Government of Qatar to buy up to 28 modern Seahawk family helicopters, to replace the QEAF’s aging fleet of H-3 “Westland Commando” Sea Kings, and likely its remaining handful of Westland Lynx helicopters as well. If contracts are signed, they could be worth up to $2.5 billion. This appears to be an expansion of the Sept 22/11 DSCA request (q.v.).
Qatar wants 10 MH-60R base configuration helicopters, optimized for anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship attacks, and maritime patrol. They also want 12 MH-60S Seahawk utility helicopters equipped with the Armed Helicopter Modification Kit, which will let them carry laser-guided Hellfire missiles and guided 70mm rockets. That would make them dangerous opponents for smaller ships, especially the armed go-fast boats favored by Iran. They would also be useful against land targets, alongside the kingdom’s lighter SA342G Gazelles. An extra option would increase the armed MH-60S buy to 18 if it’s exercised. Qatar will also need 48 T-700 GE 401C Engines (44 installed, 4 spare, could grow to 61 with options).
The prime contractors will be Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in Stratford, CT (helicopters), Lockheed Martin in Owego, NY (MH-60R mission systems and MH-60S kits), and General Electric in Lynn, MA (engines). Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of 15 contractor representatives to Qatar on an intermittent basis over the life of the case to support delivery of the MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters and provide support and equipment familiarization.
Qatar request
June 28/12: IMDS/HUMS. Simmonds Precision Products (United Technologies’ Goodrich Sensors and Integrated Systems) in Vergennes, VT receives a $9.6 million firm-fixed-price contract for 120 various Integrated Mechanical Diagnostic System kits in support of The US Navy and Australia’s MH-60R/S helicopters. As their name implies, these embedded sensors are used to detect mechanical problems in critical areas of the helicopter, allowing maintenance to shift from a regular schedule regardless of need, to a “condition-based” response to problems while they’re still small.
The US Navy gets 11 retrofit kits and one Delta retrofit kit, 18 integrated vehicle health management units and data transfer units, and 18 production kits. The number suggest that they’re slated for a US Navy MH-60S buy.
Australia receives 24 Troy kits, 24 integrated vehicle health management units and data transfer units, and 24 production kits for its 24 MH-60Rs.
Work will be performed in Vergennes, VT, and is expected to be complete in March 2014. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. US NAVAIR manages the contract (N00019-12-C-2015).
May 16/12: South Korea’s MH-X. The US DSCA announces [PDF] the Republic of Korea’s official request for 8 MH-60R Seahawk Multi-Mission Helicopters, but the estimated cost of up to $1.0 billion indicates a very large long-term service & support package built into this request, which could comprise a majority of the deal’s cost.
The request includes 8 MH-60Rs, 18 T-700 GE 401C Engines (16 installed and 2 spares), spare engine containers, communication equipment, unspecified “electronic warfare systems,” support equipment, spare and repair parts, tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, and “other related elements” of US government and contractor support. If a contract is signed, the prime contractors would be Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in Stratford, CT (MH-60R); Lockheed Martin in Owego, NY (sensors and mission systems); and General Electric in Lynn, MA (engines). Implementation would require “multiple trips to Korea involving U.S. Government or contractor representatives on a temporary basis” for program and technical support, and management oversight.
South Korea has an MH-X program for its next-generation naval helicopter, with competitors expected to include AgustaWestland’s AW159 Lynx Wildcat, NH Industries’ NH90-NFH, and a naval version of the Eurocopter/KAI Surion, with co-operation from Elbit Systems. This MH-60R request follows a July 2009 (vid.) DSCA request for 8 MH-60S helicopters. The sinking of ROKS Cheonan by a north Korean submarine would certainly justify improving the ROKN’s anti-submarine capabilities, but the MH-60S’ ability to carry mine-detection gear is likely to be equally valuable. An MH-X decision is expected in October 2012. See also Defense Update.
South Korea request
May 9/12: Lite Danish? Sikorsky Aircraft and Terma announce a broadened Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). It extends the existing February 2010 MoU to include composites and electrical component manufacturing, as well as the possible use of Terma’s survivability equipment on widely-bought platforms like the UH-60 Black Hawk. This cooperation is conditioned on an MH-60R order from the Danish government. The Danes seem to be more interested in an MH-60R Lite version, though, as the release adds that:
“…the aircraft can be upgraded to provide anti-submarine warfare if one day required by Danish Defense.”
April 27/12: APS-153. Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors (MS2) in Owego, NY receives a $13.8 million firm-fixed-price delivery order, funding ongoing efforts to design, develop, and produce new Automatic Radar Periscope Detection and Discrimination (ARPDD) configured AN/APS-153V retrofit kits for the MH-60R. This order funds the validation and verification effort, all integrated logistic support elements, and the technical directives required to retrofit MH-60R aircraft. Kit quantities include 8 A-kits; 4 SEED B-kits; 2 STD B-kits; 2 Val/Ver A-kits; and 5 Antenna Array B-kits.
Work will be performed in Farmingdale, NY (70%); Owego, NY (29%); and various locations throughout the United States (1%); and is expected to be complete in April 2015 (N00019-09-G-0005).
April 19/12: Support. Lockheed Martin Corp. in Owego, NY receives a $61.4 million basic ordering agreement to repair/overhaul 182 various weapons replacement assemblies and shop replaceable assemblies used in support of the MH-60R/S common cockpit; the MH-60R’s ESM receiver processor that notices and backtracks electronic emissions like radar; and the MH-60S OAMCM mine warfare helicopter.
Work is expected to be completed by April 19/15. Only one company was solicited for this non-competitive requirement, and one offer was received in response to the solicitation, but a number of firms will be doing the work. Work will be performed at:
General Electric in Grand Rapids, MI (5%)
Hamilton Sundstrand in Phoenix, AZ (1%)
Kaman in Middletown, CT (1%)
Lockheed Martin in Owego, NY (33%)
Northrop Grumman in Salt Lake City, UT (41%)
Telephonics in Farmingdale, NY (12%)
Ultra Flightline in Victor, NY (2%)
US Navy FRC-SW in San Diego, CA (5%)
The contract is managed by NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support in Philadelphia, PA (N00383-12-G-010F).
April 20/12: Australia. Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors in Owego, NY receives a $126.5 million modification to Australia’s previous advance acquisition contract, which turns its preliminary order for 24 MH-60R mission systems and common cockpits into a finalized firm-fixed-price contract. This brings all contracts related to these sub-systems up to $315.1 million, or $13.13 million per helicopter. Read “MH-60R Wins Australia’s Maritime Helicopter Competition” for full coverage.
April 5/12: Common cockpits. Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors in Owego, NY receives a $1.05 billion contract modification, finalizing the MH-60R/ MH-60S’ 2012-2016 mission avionics system/ common cockpit advance acquisition contract to a firm-fixed-price, multiyear contract. These mission avionics systems and common cockpits will equip 162 MH-60Rs in production lots 10-14, and the last 62 MH-60S helicopters in production lots 14-17, with integrated logistic support provided alongside. A number of buys had already occurred under this contract for MH-60R Lots 10-11, and MH-60S Lots 14-15.
Work will be performed in Owego, NY (58%); Farmingdale, NY (25%); Woodland Hills, CA (4%); Ciudad Real, Spain (3%); East Syracuse, NY (2%); Victor, NY (2%); Everett, WA (1%); Stratford, CT (1%); St. Charles, MO (1%); Lewisville, Texas (1%); Bennington, VT (1%); and other locations inside the United States (1%). Work is expected to be completed in June 2018. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-11-C-0020). See also Lockheed Martin.
March 15/12: Radios. Rockwell Collins, Inc. in Cedar Rapids, IA received a $6.5 million firm-fixed-price contract modification, exercising an option to provide AN/ARC-210V electronic radio and ancillary equipment: 48 RT-1990C/ARC receiver-transmitters for the MH-60R, and 28 RT-1990C/ARC receiver-transmitters for MH-60S.
Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, IA, and is expected to be complete in September 2013. US Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-09-C-0069).
March 13/12: Australia. Sikorsky in Stratford, CT received a $27.6 million firm-fixed-price contract for the “advanced procurement funding services in support of the Royal Australia Navy MH-60R program.” Work will be performed in Stratford, CT, with an estimated completion date of Dec 13/12. One bid was solicited, with one bid received by US Army Contracting Command in Redstone Arsenal, AL (W58RGZ-08-C-0003).
Dec 29/11: Australia. Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors in Owego, NY receives a $103.5 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for Australia. It covers common cockpit and mission avionics to equip 24 MH-60R helicopters for the Royal Australian Navy, including non-recurring engineering, program support, and associated efforts required for the production and delivery. Read “MH-60R Wins Australia’s Maritime Helicopter Competition” for full coverage.
Dec 28/11: Long-lead. Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors in Owego, NY receives a $24 million firm-fixed-price advance acquisition contract modification. They’ll provide FY 2012 long-lead material and “end of life components” (spares) for MH-60S Production Lot 14 and MH-60R Lot 10 common cockpits, and specialized MH-60R Lot 10 mission electronics.
Work will be performed in Owego, NY (57%); Farmingdale, NY (26%); Woodland Hills, CA (4%); Ciudad Real, Spain (3%); East Syracuse, NY (2%); Victor, NY (2%); Everett, WA (1%); Stratford, CT (1%); St. Charles, MO (1%); Lewisville, TX (1%); Bennington, VT (1%); and various locations throughout the United States (1%), and is expected to be complete in February 2012 (N00019-11-C-0020).
Dec 14/11: Training. The first US Navy MH-60S Aircrew Virtual Environmental Trainer (AVET) is installed and ready at NAS North Island near San Diego, CA. The Navy has had “TOFT” simulators for pilots since Oct 6/06, but this is a stand-alone, reconfigurable, full-motion simulator to train aerial gunnery, search and rescue, cargo replenishment, confined area landings, and emergency procedures for the MH-60S and HH-60H.
Binghamton Simulator Company in Binghamton, NY developed AVET under Navy SBIR funding, working with experts from PMA-205 and the US Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division in Orlando, FL. Its big difference from other simulators is that instead of a large, expensive screen, it uses a strap-on helmet mounted visor for each student. This allows multiple students to train on cooperative tasks like these, while enjoying full 360 degree simulation, at an affordable cost. The longer-term goal will network AVET trainers with pilot TOFTs, allowing full-crew mission rehearsals that don’t have to fly expensive helicopters. US NAVAIR.
Dec 14/11: Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors in Owego, NY receives a $72.2 million firm-fixed-price advance acquisition contract modification. They’ll provide FY 2013 long-lead material and associated efforts for MH-60S Production Lot 15 and MH-60R Lot 11 common cockpits, and specialized MH-60R Lot 11 mission electronics.
Work will be performed in Owego, NY (57%); Farmingdale, NY (26%); Woodland Hills, CA (4%); Ciudad Real, Spain (3%); East Syracuse, NY (2%); Victor, NY (2%); Everett, WA (1%); Stratford, CT (1%); St. Charles, MO (1%); Lewisville, TX (1%); Bennington, VT (1%); and various locations throughout the United States (1%). Work is expected to be complete in December 2012 (N00019-11-C-0020).
Dec 12/11: MH-60R Upgrades. Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems in Portsmouth, RI receives a $10.4 million firm-fixed-price delivery order to integrate an improved ALFS sonar Digital Transducer Assembly into MH-60Rs, as Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) 6515-E-022, Part II.
Work will include engineering, highly accelerated life test, and integrated logistics services. Work will be performed in Brest, France (64%), and Portsmouth, RI (36%), and is expected to be complete in October 2012 (N00019-08-G-0013).
Dec 2/11: Australia. Lockheed Martin MS2 in Owego, NY receives an $85.1 million firm-fixed-price contract modification for work at both ends of the MH-60R Mission Avionics Systems and common cockpit life-cycle. It includes both long-lead materials to begin building cockpits, and “end-of-life components” so the Australians have enough of certain items to support their 24 Royal Australian Navy MH-60Rs.
Work will be performed in Farmingdale, NY (53%); Owego, NY (32%); Ciudad Real, Spain (5%); Victor, NY (4%); St. Charles, MO (3%); Lewisville, TX (1%); Windsor Locks, CT (1%); and various locations throughout the United States (1%). Work is expected to be complete in March 2012. US Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD manages the contract, as the agent of their Foreign Military Sale client (N00019-11-C-0020).
Nov 4/11: MH-60R Lite. Australian Defence Magazine reports that Lockheed Martin is self-funding development of an “MH-60R Lite” variant, which would make the ALFS dipping sonar a removable option. That would improve its range, and increase cabin space from 3 people to 8, at the expense of limiting its anti-submarine capability without ALFS. Lockheed Martin is even contemplating a version that also removes the sonobuoy launcher and acoustic processors, leaving a helicopter with just surface attack, search and rescue, and utility helicopter capabilities. It would really be more of an MH-60S+, with an advanced maritime radar and other electronics improvements.
Australia is already set to buy standard MH-60Rs, but Denmark has reportedly been briefed on the project (vid. Sept 8/09, Dec 2/10 entries). They bought AW101 helicopters for the search and rescue role, but a September 2008 Parliamentary report [PDF] confirmed that availability problems had left the Danes without the full SAR capabilities they need. They’re also looking to replace a handful of Lynx maritime helicopters, and an MH-60R with removable dipping sonar might solve both problems.
FY 2011
Thai MH-60S
(click to view full)
Sept 29/11: MTS. Raytheon in McKinney, TX receives a $9.8 million firm-fixed-price contract for 10 MH-60S multispectral targeting systems. Work will be performed in McKinney, TX, and is expected to be complete by October 2013. This contract was not competitively procured by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division in Crane, IN (N00164-11-C-JQ34).
Sept 29/11: Support. Lockheed Martin MS2 in Owego, NY receives an $8.2 million firm-fixed-price contract modification for one-time efforts required to fix part obsolescence issues in the MH-60R/S with solutions that have the right form, fit, and function. Work will be performed in Owego, NY, and is expected to be complete in November 2013 (N00019-06-C-0098).
Sept 27/11: Point & click, at last. Lockheed Martin MS2 in Owego, NY receives a $26.8 million firm-fixed-price contract modification for the procurement of 699 newly designed “point and click operator system interface kits”, and 123 pointing devices, in support of the MH-60R/S helicopter fleet. The contract includes installation, and NAVAIR confirms to DID that the operator-system interface (OSI) is being updated for all MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters.
Work will be performed in Owego, NY (61.1%); Austin, TX (20%); and Everett, WA (18.9%), and is expected to be complete in February 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-11-C-0048).
Sept 27/11: Support.Lockheed Martin Corp. in Owego, NY receives a $9 million firm-fixed-price contract for specialized test equipment necessary to perform depot-level repairs to the ALQ-210 Electronic Support Measures Receiver Processor System. The AN/ALQ-210 ESM picks up incoming radar and electronic signals, and helps the helicopter backtrack to their emitters; it is deployed on the MH-60R.
Work will be performed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL, and is expected to be completed in June 2014. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1 by the US Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division in Lakehurst, NJ (N68335-11-C-0403).
Sept 22/11: Qatar MH-60Rs? The US DSCA announces [PDF] Qatar’s official request to buy up to 6 MH-60R Seahawk naval warfare helicopters, 13 T-700 GE 401C Engines (12 installed and 1 spare), plus communication equipment, support equipment, spare and repair parts, tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, and other U.S. government and contractor support. The estimated cost is up to $750 million.
The MH-60R helicopters will supplement and eventually replace the Qatar Air Force’s aging Westland Sea King maritime patrol helicopters, whose main concern is currently Iran’s Russian-built Kilo Class diesel-electric attack submarines.
The prime contractors will be Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in Stratford, CT (helicopter), Lockheed Martin in Owego, NY (mission systems) and General Electric in Lynn, MA (engines). If the notice turns into a contract, require the assignment of 10 contractor representatives to Qatar on an intermittent basis over the life of the case, to support delivery of the MH-60R helicopters and provide support and equipment familiarization.
Qatar request
Aug 8/11: Thailand. Sikorsky loads a pair of MH-60S Seahawk helicopters for shipment to Thailand, who is the type’s first export customer thanks to a 2007 order.
Aug 4/11: MH-60R Upgrades. Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors in Owego, NY receives a $30 million delivery order modification for additional Phase 2 efforts in support of the MH-60R situational awareness technology insertion (SATI) engineering, manufacturing, and development. Work will be performed in Owego, NY (95%), and Melbourne, FL (5%), and is expected to be complete in February 2014. All contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept 30/11 (N00019-09-G-0005).
Discussions with Lockheed Martin shed additional light on this award, which completes SATI’s pre-development portion. SATI upgrades the current Gen III Flight Management Computers and Mission Computers to Gen V, and adds a new Integrated Digital Map, and upgrades to the existing IFF interrogator.
July 1/11: APS-153. Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors in Owego, NY receives a $14.1 million cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for one-time engineering efforts to add a Mode 5 Interrogator Subsystem into the MH-60R Automatic Radar Periscope Detection and Discrimination System. Work will be performed in Farmingdale, NY (68%), and Owego, NY (32%), and is expected to be complete in November 2012. This contract was not competitively procured, pursuant to FAR 6.302-1 (N00019-11-C-0068).
Discussions with Lockheed Martin shed additional light on this award. ARPDD upgrades the existing AN/APS-147 radar’s hardware and software, to automatically discriminate between periscopes and other small surface objects. The upgraded MH-60R radar with the ARPDD capability is designated as an AN/APS-153. As noted above, Mode 5 is a form of automated “identification, friend or foe” technology. The helicopter transponders already include IFF Mode 5, but the helicopters’ radar-linked IFF interrogator system is also getting an upgrade. With submarines test-firing anti-aircraft missiles from torpedo tubes (vid. IDAS), creating a 2-way threat, IFF for ASW machines could become even more useful.
June 27/11: Training. CAE USA, Inc. in Tampa, FL receives a $32.1 million firm-fixed-price contract modification for 2 MH-60R tactical operational flight trainer (TOFT) advanced simulators, including install and test.
Work will be performed in Tampa, FL (42%); Lexington Park, MD (35%); Salt Lake City, UT (9%); Huappauge, NY (5%); San Francisco, CA (4%); Montreal, Canada (2%); Huntsville, AL (2%); and Leesburg, VA (1%), and is expected to be complete in October 2013. US Naval Air Warfare Center, Training Systems Division in Orlando, L manages this contract (N61340-11-C-0006).
June 16/11: MH-60R for RAN. The MH-60R beats the NH90-NFH for Australia’s 24-helicopter, A$3+ billion (over $3.16 billion) AIR 9000, Phase 8 helicopter competition, even though Australia had switched from H-60/S-70 Army helicopters to the NH90-TTH several years ago. A combination of problems with its “MRH-90s,” slow NH90 TTH development, MH-60R naval interoperability benefits, and the MH-60R’s low-risk operational status tipped the balance.
Read “MH-60R Wins Australia’s Maritime Helicopter Competition” for full coverage.
Australia: 24 MH-60R
March 9/11: FY 2011? A $129.4 million firm-fixed-price contract “for the procurement of UH-60M Helicopters, HH-60M Helicopters, MH-60S Helicopters and MH-60R Helicopters,” numbers unspecified. Absent a budget per the Senate’s legal responsibility, it is difficult to commit a lot of money to buying things.
Work will be performed in Stratford, CT with an estimated completion date of Dec 31/12 (W58RGZ-08-C-0003).
FY 2011 order?
March 03/11: Sub-contractors. Sikorsky signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Trakka Corp. in Melbourne, Australia. Searchlights are Trakka’s specialty, and they are integrated into a highly efficient pan and tilt gymbal, allowing slewing up to 60 degrees per second. Internal filtering allows the searchlight to choose the appropriate light spectrum for the mission, while precision optical elements and a low power light source deliver a more intense and efficient on-target beam than conventional reflector-type searchlights.
This MoU goes beyond just Australia or its naval helicopter competition, to cover H-60 Black Hawk and Seahawk helicopters generally. Trakka develops and manufactures aviation searchlight products in its AS9100 certified facility in Australia, but it also has operations in Scottsdale, AZ to support its U.S. customers, including U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and the U.S.