PAUL DERBY
Development of Sikorsky's next-generation Black Hawk helicopter, the UH-60M, received a boost in the run-up to Farnborough with news that the aircraft had passed the Air Vehicle Critical Design Review, a key milestone in the remanufacturing programme.
But the programme itself still faces significant budgetary issues, with the US Army admitting that only half of the planned 1,217 aircraft are funded.
The UH-60M is due for first flight next year, with low rate initial production (LRIP) beginning in 2004. The programme is crucial to the US Army's plans to reduce the age of its Black Hawk fleet.
Average
At present, the average age of UH-60As, which make up most of the fleet, is 18 years, with more than 22% having been in service for upwards of 20 years. The UH-60M upgrade is aimed at reducing the helicopters to a half-life of 10 years by financial year 2015.
The army's plans call for 10 aircraft to be remanufactured in 2004, with this figure ramping up to 15 in 2005 and 36 the following year. The full rate of 90 UH-60Ms a year is slated for 2009.
Keith Roberson, US Army utility helicopter deputy project manager, says: "We are struggling to fund those numbers."
The army gave the programme team a positive response following the design review and Sikorsky's focus will now be on completing detailed design of the aircraft and fabricating four prototypes.
Says Brad Pedersen, Sikorsky's UH-60M programme manager: "The ability to collect and transmit battlefield data in real time improves situational awareness of not only the Black Hawk but all other platforms.
"The advanced flight control computer also reduces pilot workload and allows the pilot to focus on completing the mission."
Sikorsky Support Services Inc (SSSI) will perform tear-downs on each aircraft, inspect parts, recondition the cockpit, tailcone and dynamic components and then reassemble the aircraft.
Sikorsky will also install a new glass cockpit with four multi-function displays, two control display units, a modern flight control computer and a new avionics suite.
A narrower instrument panel will give improved chin window visibility.
The new General Electric T700-GE-701D engine, currently under development, will add 3% more shaft horsepower, allowing up to 500lb additional payload.
Sikorsky signed a $219.7 million research, development, test and evaluation contract in May last year. The contract covers four UH-60M test articles – three converted from the existing fleet and one new production aircraft.
Source: Flight Daily News
