Sikorsky says the first low rate initial production (LRIP) MH-60R helicopter will be delivered to the US Navy by the end of July, bringing the start of operational test and evaluation (OpEval) a step closer.
The aircraft flew for the first time on 9 July, with two more LRIP aircraft due for delivery in the third quarter of 2002. They will be transported to Lockheed Martin's Owego, NY, operation for avionics and mission equipment installation before heading for USN testing next year. The USN OpEval results will influence the Navy and US Department of Defense decision on whether to begin full-rate production – known as Milestone 3.
The first LRIP aircraft is a remanufactured SH-60B Seahawk that has been upgraded to include a Lockheed Martin Systems Integration glass cockpit and a range of mission system improvements. These include improved mission and flight displays, upgraded advanced flight control computer, an integrated self defence suite and a weapons suite including torpedoes and fire-and-forget Hellfire missiles.
The USN switched last year from a plan to remanufacture the H-60 fleet to a new-buy programme which could see 243 aircraft bought over a 12-year period.
Thomas Laux, NAVAIR programme executive officer for Air ASW, Assault and Special Mission Programmes, says: "The MH-60R is the cornerstone of the US Navy's Master Plan and with each successful milestone we move closer to fielding the world's most sophisticated and capable naval helicopter. These are extremely challenging yet exciting moments in naval aviation. We have the opportunity to add to the legacy of its proud history."
Source: Flight Daily News