Sikorsky-built helicopter programme's technical evaluation period could be brought forward on success of flight tests

The US Navy could accelerate development of the MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopter by three months, after new test data showed that Lockheed Martin Systems Integration has fixed most of the radar and software glitches affecting the aircraft.

The Sikorsky-built helicopter, which is designed for anti-submarine and anti-mine warfare tasks, is running nearly a year behind schedule. Initial system tests last June revealed 50 deficiencies in software, system interfaces, training and requirements, says Jeff Bantle, Lockheed Martin's vice- president and general manager for multi-mission systems.

The discoveries halted the testing schedule and scratched a navy plan to accelerate the programme.

Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin last week received second low-rate initial production contracts worth $84.4 million and $67.8 million respectively to deliver four MH-60Rs to the USN in 2006. The navy has previously ordered five aircraft, and expects full-rate production to begin during 2005. The USN has proposed buying just four MH-60Rs in fiscal year 2005, against the six initially planned.

In February, Lockheed Martin completed a series of flight tests that showed 49 of the listed deficiencies had been resolved, with the only remaining item expected to be closed with a software update later this month.

A key issue had been software stability problems for the Telephonics-supplied APS-147 multimode radar/identification friend-or-foe system.

In addition to software problems, Lockheed Martin also worked with the navy to "clarify" system requirements, particularly for delineating performance differences for the company's ALQ-210 electronic support measures system between urban and maritime domains, says Bantle.

The new-build programme for 243 aircraft, to replace the USN's SH-60B and SH-60F fleets, is in the midst of developmental testing. A technical evaluation period preceding operational testing is scheduled to start in October, but could be rolled forward to July or August based on the success of the most recent flight tests, says Bantle. Operational evaluation is now scheduled to begin in May 2005.

The Lockheed Martin-led team has also completed developmental testing on the MH-60R's integrated self-defence system, which includes missile warning systems, decoy flares and chaff, and infrared and radio frequency countermeasures.

STEPHEN TRIMBLE / WASHINGTON, DC

Source: Flight International