• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

PMA-299 Multi-Mission Helicopter Team awards MH-60 Common Cockpit multi-year contract

NAVAIR Release

Press Release Number: E200401061

Release Date: 1/6/2004

By Renee Hatcher PEO(A) Public Affairs

NAVAIR awarded Lockheed Martin Systems Integration (LMSI) in Owego, N.Y., a $423 million multi-year contract on Dec. 29, 2003 for the procurement and delivery of common cockpits for the MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters that will result in significant savings by combining four years of annual buys into one contract with an option for a fifth year. With the exercise of a fifth year option in fiscal 2009, the Navy expects to save up to $63.9 million.

"We will see increased value, and steady and reliable delivery of cockpit kits from this multi-year contract," said Capt. Bill Shannon, manager of NAVAIR's H-60 Multi-Mission Helicopter Program, PMA-299.

The cockpit incorporates the largest integrated displays in service in the U.S. Military, integrating four 8-by-10 inch Night Vision Device compatible color active matrix liquid crystal displays; provides the operator with dual integrated programmable keysets for data entry and mission management; dual prime/backup flight management computers allowing redundancy for all flight critical operations; an audio management computer providing digital audio for flight communications and sensors; and a dual embedded global positioning inertial navigation system which provides state-of-the-art precision position reporting and all weather coupled hover operations. In the MH-60R (Romeo) and MH-60S (Sierra) Armed Helo configuration, one of the flight management computers is replaced with a mission computer which, in addition to providing all flight related capabilities, provides 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. It went through one of the most demanding certification processes at NAVAIR, which has now become the standard for all cockpits to meet.

In support of the Navy's Helo Conops Transition Plan approved by CNO, both the new Romeo and Sierra aircraft are being outfitted with this glass cockpit which reduces logistic support required, reduces total ownership costs, and enables the Romeo and Sierra crews to effectively monitor and employ the multitude of new systems and capabilities being integrated into both of these aircraft. These systems form the backbone of the Romeo and Sierra warfighting capabilities covering combined additional and broadened missions including Organic Airborne Mine Counter Measures (OAMCM), and Battle Group Force Protection.

The multi-year purchase with Lockheed Martin ensures that manufacturing and production processes continue, and gaps in production are eliminated. Another major advantage includes a planned technology insertion approach that both minimizes end-of-life parts issues and associated cost, and helps to ensure an unbroken flow of deliveries. Many high tech components, which have current obsolescence issues, will undergo immediate technology insertion. These components include: the Audio Management Computer, the Smart Multi-Function display, the Common Avionics Multi Function Display and the Common Cockpit Keyset.

The common cockpit is currently in its sixth year of production, with 60 cockpits fielded. The cockpits have achieved over 40,000 flight hours during worldwide operations, to include Operation Enduring Freedom. The multi-year common cockpit contract is for 172 systems, with an option for an additional 71 systems, and includes a quantity variation clause that allows Lockheed Martin to respond to surge needs, and allows for a minimum of 141 cockpits up to a maximum of 270. These quantities cover both aircraft and trainer requirements. Quantities will be exercised annually for five consecutive years, in a combination of MH-60S and MH-60R configurations, and provisions for up to $30 million in associated spare items.

The Navy's Helicopter Conops Transition Plan calls for the MH-60R/S to replace the Navy's six other helicopter platforms by 2015. The MH-60S helicopter will replace the Navy's aging H-46, H-3, and HH-1N platforms. In addition to providing the Navy's Combat Logistics Force (CLF) with a Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) at sea capability, the aircraft will also perform the Vertical Onboard Delivery (VOD), amphibious Search and Rescue (SAR), Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW), and Organic Airborne Mine Countermeasures (OAMCM) missions. The MH-60S passed Operational Testing and then reached Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for combat logistics support in Aug 2002.

HC-3, HC-5, HC-6, HC-8 and HC-11 are the first Fleet squadrons currently operating the MH-60S, and are on schedule to retire the H-46 from the fleet in September 2004. As of December 2003, there were 60 MH-60Ss delivered. Production is expected for all 237 MH-60Ss aircraft by 2011. Two follow-on MH-60S major Block upgrades IOC between FY06 and FY07. They will include modifications to conduct OAMCM (Block 2) and CSAR/Armed Helicopter missions (Block 3).

The MH-60R will replace the current SH-60B/F versions and will perform the Sea Shield missions of anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, area surveillance and combat identification, and Naval surface fire support.

The MH-60R brings tremendous war-fighting capability to the Fleet, including the Multi-Mode Radar with Long Range Search, Target Designate, ISAR and Periscope Detection modes, Electronic Support Measures, AQS-22 airborne low frequency dipping sonar, Sonobuoys, advanced acoustics processing, Forward Looking Infrared Radar with tracking and targeting capability, sensor data link capability, Integrated Self Defense package and much more. The MH-60R is currently undergoing testing at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Patuxent River. In December 2003, the Romeo received approval from John Young, assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition, to proceed with LRIP 2. Total production quantities are expected to be 254, and the Romeo will achieve IOC in fiscal 2006.

"The Romeo and Sierra are the future of Naval Helicopter Aviation," Shannon said. "This contract takes us a step closer to achieving the goals set forth by the chief of naval operations in the Navy Helicopter Master Plan."