Common Vertical Lift Support Platform (CVLSP)
As part of the Common Vertical Lift approach, in 2006 it was planned that there would also to be a procurement of 66 Common Vertical Lift Support Platform (CVLSP). The CVLSP was envisioned as a less complex variant than the PRV Block 0 aircraft that will provide a medium-lift vertical take-off and landing aircraft to support Air Mobility Command (AMC) and Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) requirements. The CVLSP would replace the current UH-1Ns. The first variant of up to 20 aircraft for AMC will provide a safe and reliable passenger airlift for the National Capitol Region.
The second variant of up to 46 aircraft would support AFSPC, AETC, AFMC, and PACAF. This mission includes protection of CONUS strategic nuclear and space launch assets through its primary missions of responding to critical incidents, securing of base movement of strategic assets, performing general security operations, and providing general mission support.
The primary Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) helicopter mission is to provide Security Forces with a continuous contingency response capability for the national ICBM complex. However, the Bell UH-1N is not capable of meeting current security requirements. It does not meet Key Performance Parameters for speed, endurance, range, or payload. UH-1Ns are not armed with offensive weapons, have no defensive capabilities or countermeasures, and cannot operate in a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) environment. The average Air Force UH-1N airframe is 38 years old. The original design life for this aircraft was 2,500 flying hours, although some aircraft in the inventory have over 13,000 hours. The UH-1N fleet is showing its age with fatigue-related cracks in the tail boom and is currently undergoing its second tail boom replacement enabling it to meet flight safety standards.
RDT&E funding is required for the development of five Test Vehicles (TV) and the design, integration, testing and certification of PRV mission components required by the Operational Requirements Document (ORD). Request for proposals (RFP) was to be released in FY05. Competitive source selection and contract award were to be completed in FY06. Test articles were to be delivered starting in FY09. Milestone C was planned for FY11.
PRV acquisition strategy was revised to pursue a two-phase spiral development approach. Phase 1 would develop and field two increments, a Block 0 and a Block 10 platform. The Block 0 PRV would begin production deliveries in FY11, and have an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in FY13. Block 10 PRVs would have an IOC of FY18. Phase 2 of the PRV acquisition program would develop an improved combat rescue vehicle with increased speed, range, and survivability with planned fielding starting in FY22.
As of mid-2004 the Personnel Recovery Vehicle (PRV) program intended to replace 104 HH-60s with about 132 new aircraft. This decision was due in the 2005 timeframe. Based on studies indicating that one common vertical lift platform is most cost effective, the Air Force intended to address other future helicopter replacements for 60-odd UH-1Ns as part of this one program. This requirement would add about 100 more helicopters for Space Command and Support, air base support, and executive lift missions. The service predicted significant savings in support, and training costs with a common helicopter fleet.
The CVLSP was originally envisioned as a variant of CSAR-X. The Joint Requirements Oversight Council directed that the efforts be separated and then directed AFSPC to conduct a separate CVLSP Analysis of Alternatives (AoA). With the 50,000 lb Chinook chosen for the combat rescue requirement, the Air Force Systems Center reiterated that CVLSP is not part of the CSAR-X program.
The CVLSP AoA is complete and by 2007 was in coordination at the Air Staff. The AFSPC team is considering four CVLSP options:
1. CSAR-X platform
2. Rebuild Air Combat Command service life extension program-modified HH-60G aircraft
3. Develop a new aircraft
4. Continue using the UH-1N aircraft
CVLSP is sixth on the Air Force’s Unfunded Priority List.
