Upgrades Planned Across US Special Operations Helicopter Fleet
The U.S. Special Operations helicopter fleet, including the MH-6 “Little Bird,” MH-60 “Blackhawk,” and MH-47 “Chinook,” is undergoing extensive upgrades to enhance operational capabilities, as outlined at the Global SOF Foundation Special Operations Forces Week in Tampa, Florida.
What upgrades are being implemented for the MH-6 Little Bird?
The MH-6 “Little Bird,” referred to as the “streetfighter” by Paul Kylander, product manager at Program Executive Office-Rotary Wing, is undergoing a significant upgrade with lighter fuselage materials for increased speed and range. Enhancements also include cockpit upgrades for improved avionics management and advanced airborne tactical mission suites. Fuel tanks, along with attack and assault planks, are also being replaced with lighter versions.
What future developments are planned for the MH-6?
The ongoing upgrades for the MH-6 will continue through 2034. Post-2034, there are plans for a Block 4 upgrade or potential divestment of the aircraft between 2035 and 2042.
How is the MH-60 Blackhawk being modernised?
The MH-60 Blackhawk is receiving multiple software updates, navigation tools for operations in degraded visual environments, enhanced sensors, data fusion capabilities, and next-generation tactical communication systems. Additionally, upgrades include a new YT706 engine, an open architecture common cockpit, joint air-to-ground missiles, lightweight armament wings, M-230 recoil dampers, GAU-19 Gun Pods, and helmet display tracking systems.
What additional improvements will the Blackhawk undergo?
Further enhancements for the Blackhawk include an improved crew chief seat, AN/PQ-187 Silent Knight Radar nose door reconfiguration, upturned exhaust suppressor II, an engine inlet barrier filter suited for dusty environments, and the GE T901 Improved Turbine Engine.
What updates are being implemented on the MH-47 Chinook?
The MH-47G Chinook is undergoing substantial advancements to accommodate increasing demands for greater payload capacity, range, and speed. Notably, the oldest Chinook airframe will soon retire after nearly six decades of service. Ongoing upgrades include replacing existing flight control pallets with the Active Parallel Actuator Subsystem.
What is the Active Parallel Actuator Subsystem?
The Active Parallel Actuator Subsystem enhances flight safety by augmenting manned flight control through tactile cues, preventing pilots from exceeding aircraft performance limits, thus reducing workload during critical flight stages. In October 2024, the system successfully enabled a “hands-off” autonomous landing at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.
What significance do these upgrades hold?
These comprehensive upgrades significantly bolster the tactical and operational capabilities of the U.S. Special Operations helicopter fleet, enhancing mission effectiveness, safety, and operational versatility. They also represent significant steps toward increased autonomy in special operations aviation.
