Sikorsky progresses Combat Rescue Helicopter programme
This event prepares the CRH programme to proceed to assembly, test, and evaluation of the HH-60W helicopter’s training systems, said the firm.
Lockheed Martin announced on 25 October that the Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH) Program Training Systems Critical Design Review (CDR) has been successfully conducted. This event prepares the CRH programme to proceed to assembly, test, and evaluation of the HH-60W helicopter’s training systems, said the firm.
The milestone marks an important step in developing maintenance and aircrew training devices, courseware products and the training required to support the initial CRH maintenance and aircrew cadre, said Lockheed Martin, adding that this progress is critical to the smooth entry of the HH-60W aircraft into the US Air Force (USAF) fleet.
Joint Sikorsky and USAF teams met over four days in September with key programme participants from government and industry for an in-depth review. Those attending included leaders from the USAF and key suppliers who took part in technical presentations. Operational combat rescue community representatives from USAF Air Education and Training Command and Air Combat Command also played an important role in the CDR, said Lockheed Martin.
Tim Healy, Sikorsky CRH programme director, said: “I am really excited about achieving yet another programme milestone in support of a six-month accelerated schedule. This capability is badly needed by the USAF rescue warriors that have continually engaged in combat operations since 1991. Sikorsky is absolutely committed to them and the accelerated schedule. The aircraft production is well under way, and with our training system design well understood by all parties, we can now begin assembly of the training devices and courseware as well.”
Dave Schairbaum, USAF CRH programme manager, commented: “This is an important step forward for the CRH programme. The CRH team is working hard to provide our warfighters the capability they require to continue to conduct the critical personnel recovery mission far into the future. Having highly capable training devices and courseware that mirror aircraft capability absolutely underpins our ability to perform rescue operations. This CRH training system will provide well-trained aircrew and aircraft maintainers to conduct this demanding mission.”
Lockheed Martin said that first flight of the HH-60W aircraft is expected in late 2018, while the associated training devices and courseware are expected to be ready for training in early 2020.