Sikorsky has delivered the first seven MH-60R multi-mission helicopters to the US Navy, moving the much-altered programme a step closer to full-rate production approval.
The deliveries pave the way for Operational Test and Evaluation (OPEVAL), which is the final and critical phase before a 'milestone 3' production go-ahead.
The MH-60R and its utility counterpart, the MH-60S, have endured a difficult and protracted development programme, with original plans to remanufacture aircraft abandoned in favour of all-new machines in 2001.
Approval
Now, however, the programme is on track to win formal approval for full-rate manufacture that will deliver 243 machines over the next 12 years.
The first low-rate initial production (LRIP) aircraft is an SH-60B Seahawk from the USN's fleet, which has been remanufactured to the MH-60R configuration with a new Lockheed Martin Systems Integration glass cockpit.
Dynamic components, tail cone and pylon from the SH-60B were joined with a new cabin and cockpit at Sikorsky's facility in Stratford, Connecticut.
New-build
The remaining six LRIP II aircraft are all new-build. The MH-60R will operate from frigates, destroyers, aircraft carriers and cruisers, performing undersea warfare and anti-surface warfare missions.
The aircraft features upgraded mission and flight displays, improved advanced flight control computer, an integrated self-defence suite, new sensors and a weapons suite including torpedoes and Hellfire missiles.
Source: Flight Daily News
