Losses suffered in Iraq have led military leaders to reassess rotorcraft survivability
The US Marine Corps (USMC) is re-evaluating the lack of an active infrared jammer aboard its Bell Boeing MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor, but adding a potentially expensive self-protection system could hamper its efforts to slash the aircraft's $74 million price to $58 million by 2010.
Aircraft survivability equipment was the highest acquisition priority for the US Army's helicopter fleet earlier this year, and the lack of an active infrared jammer contributed to an army decision to cancel the Boeing/Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche.
The MV-22 is designed with several features intended to reduce the danger from hostile fire, such as self-sealing tanks, fire suppression and exhaust gas diffusers. Programme officials also note that by rotating to aircraft mode, the Osprey can out-run the threat posed by rocket-propelled grenades.
However, the USMC's MV-22 configuration lacks the suite of integrated radio-frequency countermeasures and directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM), which are mandated for the USAir Force's CV-22 special operations variant.
The air force requirement was driven by the covert nature of the special forces' mission, while the marines prefer to be highly visible during combat operations, says USMC deputy commandant for programmes and resources Lt Gen Robert Magnus.
But the experience of combat in Operation Iraqi Freedom has forced military leaders to reassess survivability needs. Eleven helicopters have been shot down since major combat operations ceased last May, including two lost last week. One of these was a USMC Sikorsky CH-53 Super Stallion transport.
A requirements team is now analysing a proposal to insert a directed infrared countermeasures-like system in the MV-22 fleet, with an evaluation to take place over the next few months. But the USMC is taking a more cautious approach than the army, with potential barriers including concerns over the cost and reliability of the system, says Magnus.
STEPHEN TRIMBLE / WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
