SOF Rotary Wing Aviation

Abstract

This project develops/upgrades SOF rotary wing aircraft systems that operate in increasingly hostile environments. Rotary wing aircraft supported by this project include: MH-60L/K/M, MH-47E/G, and A/MH-6M. These aircraft provide aviation support to SOF in worldwide contingency operations and low-intensity conflicts, and they must be capable of rapid deployment; undetected penetration of hostile areas; and operating at extended ranges under adverse weather conditions to infiltrate, provide logistics for, reinforce, and extract SOF. The threat is characterized by an extensive and sophisticated ground based air defense system and an upgraded air-to-air capability targeted against helicopters. Efforts include: •MH-47/MH-60/A/MH-6M Aircraft. (1) Develops the Reduced Optical Signature Emission Solution (ROSES), which reduces the optical signature output of the current infrared expendable decoys for purposes of reducing Army Special Operations Aviation aircraft vulnerabilities. This flare solution will have the capability to decoy currently fielded infrared missiles and more sophisticated emerging threats, and is an interim solution pending flare technology advancements. (2) Develops an improved integrated seat system for A/MH-6M aircraft that will provide ballistic protection, crash attenuation, and restraint system upgrades. •MH-47/MH-60 Survivability Equipment/Sensors. (1) Develops the Aircraft Occupant Ballistic Protection System to reduce weight to permit additional critical payloads on mission aircraft, while maintaining or improving armor effectiveness; (2) Develops and qualifies the Forward Looking Infrared Radar (FLIR) Pre-Planned Product Improvements (P3I), which will provide increased detection ranges, a sensor suite capable of target recognition, short wave infrared marker identification, and illuminator detection regardless of ambient and cultural lighting conditions. •Congressional Add to develop a Cable Warning Obstacle Avoidance system. This system will allow aircraft to perform evasive actions, significantly increasing the aircrew’s probability of survival during a hostile fire engagement. • Congressional Add to develop a Hostile Fire Indicating System that detects, classifies, and alerts the aircrew to the presence of small caliber weapons fire for SOF rotary wing platforms.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2011
• Source ID: D615_1160482BB_7_0400_PB_2011

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.