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Director, Operational Test & Evaluation |
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| FY97 Annual Report | ||
FY97 Annual Report
USMC H-1 UPGRADES
| Navy ACAT ID Program 1060 systems Total program cost (TY$) $7281M Average unit cost (TY$) $6M Full-rate production 3Q FY94 Prime Contractor Bell Helicopter | |
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION & CONTRIBUTION TO JOINT VISION 2010
This program combines upgrades of two USMC H-1 aircraft: the AH-1W Cobra attack helicopter and the UH-1N light utility helicopter. The common element of the two will be identical twin engines and drive trains, including a new four-bladed rotor previously developed but not fielded. In addition, the AH-1 attack helicopter will gain a new integrated cockpit and night targeting system. The upgrade will extend the life of the H-1 two models well into the 21st century. The AH-1 will contribute to precision engagement and full-dimensional protection; the UH-1 will provide support to focused logistics.
The upgrade of the AH-1W, including the new cockpit, is referred to as the Four Bladed AH-1W (4BW) and the upgrade of the UH-1N drive train is referred to as the Four Bladed UH-1N (4BN). Collectively, the 4BN/4BW effort constitutes the USMC H-1 Upgrades Program.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The 4BN/4BW program was instituted in the summer of 1996 by combining several lesser upgrades planned but not executed by the Marine Corps. Prior to entry into EMD in September, 1996, DOT&E approved the program's alternative LFT&E plan and USD(A&T) approved a waiver from full-up, system-level LFT&E. The AH-1W will be tested full-up, system-level; the UH-1N received a waiver from full-up, system-level testing. The H-1 Upgrade ORDs require that both helicopters be tolerant to impacts by 12.7mm rounds and have crashworthy enhancements. Additionally, the drive components of the AH-1W should be tolerant to 23mm rounds.
TEST & EVALUATION ACTIVITY
The only OT&E activity during the year was planning. The approved TEMP calls for the test and evaluation program to be conducted in three phases - IT, DT and OT. Each aircraft model (4BW and 4BN) will undergo its own individual test program. Live Fire Test & Evaluation (LFT&E) of components and full-scale test articles will be conducted during the course of EMD to complement IT, DT and OT.
To the maximum extent possible, the IT phase will be conducted by an Integrated Test Team (ITT) consisting of government and contractor flight test engineers and pilots. The contractor will demonstrate safety of flight (SOF) of the EMD aircraft prior to participation of government personnel in flight testing. The Naval Rotary Wing Aircraft Test Squadron (NRWATS) located at NAWCAD PAX is responsible for TECHEVAL. Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force (COMOPTEVFOR) is responsible for all OT including OPEVAL.
Currently, component level LFT&E is underway. Fuselage dry bay fire tests were completed in August 1997. Tests of the tail rotor driveshaft and bearings will occur this fall.
TEST & EVALUATION ASSESSMENT
The planning for integrated DT/OT and dedicated OT&E has been enhanced by the openness and cooperation of program staff. As a result, the program TEMP contains a highly credible, well-integrated T&E program that has a high probability of resolving all critical technical and operational issues before production.
The H-1 Upgrade has the most comprehensive and realistic aircraft LFT&E program approved to date. The program will include full-up, system-level testing of an AH-1W and testing of all but the tail (which is common to both aircraft) of the UH-1N. It will explore in detail various potential kill mechanisms related to the expected threat. The LFT&E program is integrated fully into the systems engineering effort and should yield a reasonable opportunity to incorporate improvements if deficiencies are found.
LESSONS LEARNED
When the PM/PEO, the sponsor, and the OSD oversight communities work cooperatively and communicate openly through the IPT process, a well-conceived program can be assembled quickly that meets all participants' requirements for insight and oversight.
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