Paul Lewis/WASHINGTON DC
The US Navy is taking a hard look at the merits of continuing with the planned remanufacture of Sikorsky Seahawks or, instead, producing new airframes, as the programme starts to overcome some of the avionic and sensor integration problems that have delayed development of the SH-60R and the associated CH-60S naval utility version.
Integration problems have resulted in delays and prompted the USN and industry to overhaul the SH-60 programme at NAS Patuxent River. A full rate production decision for the CH-60S has been pushed back until the end of this year, while a SH-60R go ahead looks set to slide into 2004.
Concern over potential hidden cost growths and schedule slippages in remanufacturing up to 243 differing SH-60B, SH-60F and HH-60Hs versions has caused planners to take a fresh look at producing completely new SH-60Rs. "It's certainly a possibility," says Capt Bill Shannon, USN multi-mission helicopter programme manager. "We're looking seriously at it, but I would hesitate at this stage to say we'll do it."
Based on the price of new SH-60Bs for the Spanish navy, the cost of remanufacturing machines is put at $1 million - 3 million less than producing new SH-60Rs. The modernised Sea-hawk as planned has a new cabin, sensor suite and glass cockpit common with the CH-60S, but retains the old powerplant, dynamic components, landing gear and tail pylon.
Building new SH-60Rs would also allow the USN the flexibility to address the helicopter's power to weight performance. The US Army has been soliciting USN support for its planned Common Engine Programme (CEP) which, compared to the current General Electric T700-701C, promises up to 60% more power and significant cuts in fuel consumption and operating costs.
According to Shannon the USN has taken "no specific steps" towards CEP. He adds: "We're concerned that as you add mission equipment and you change mission requirements, this impacts on structure and power margins. As we're set up now, we can still perform the mission, but we're in the upper power limits with not much margin."
The alternative to upgrading the powerplant is to reduce the SH-60R's weight, which is currently under analysis. One option being looked at is a lighter weight sonar buoy launcher, as well as different deployment methods allowing the fleet the option to fit and remove equipment as required.
Source: Flight International
