NEXT-GENERATION MILITARY HELICOPTERS THE BLUEPRINT

As far as rotary-wing aircraft go, there are few assets more desirable to almost any military in the modern world. Owing to their ability to carry out a vast range of missions and the rapidity at which they can be deployed for land, sea or air use, helicopters are key to any serious defence budget, be it purchasing new platforms or modernising existing ones. Of course, this range of capabilities also means that today’s aircraft are technologically complex, resulting in difficult decisions for programme managers and increasingly complicated processes for maintenance and upgrades.

Here, we explore the key operational aspects of the 21st century “Instead of military helicopter – a ‘blueprint’, if you will, of the topics and extrapolating considerations driving the 2016 Military Helicopter conference (Jan 18-20, London, UK)… today into the future, I’d like to start with the future and then decide how to get there.” Lt. Gen. Alexander Schnitger, head of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. ROTARY STRIKE

The Military Helicopter community is fully engaged with the aircraft’s new role within modern warfare. With evidence from campaigns in Iraq, Libya and Mali, rotary assets are now less of a support function as they are actively involved in threat elimination operations. With the prioritisation of quick, safe and effective engagement, rotary assets provide a credible alternative to artillery, armoured vehicle and infantry deployment.

At present, multirole weapons solutions are being keenly assessed, with precision undoubtedly topping the list of the most pressing demands. Meanwhile, the US is working towards new vertical-lift solutions to allow for both agility and speed in one, but others believe engineers and programme managers could be even more ambitious, highlighting the need for truly disruptive innovation.

RECOMMENDED BRIEFING: Assessing the Future and Value of Rotary Strike for the British Armed Forces • What lessons have been learned form the operation of strike platforms on recent UK operations? • How is the Attack Helicopter Command preparing for the arrival of the AH-64E Guardian block upgrades? • Will the role of helicopters in directly supporting frontline troops be increasing in future campaigns? • What difficulties have been encountered while conducting strike operations as part of a coalition? Colonel Jason Etherington, Commander of the Attack Helicopter Force, British Armed Forces COMMUNICATIONS

As of 2014, the military communications market is expected to clock in at $30.12 billion by 2019. Of the key growth areas, the airborne segment is expected to expand at a CAGR of almost 2%, reaching $1.3 billion in 2022.

There remains an increasing need for investment here, given the rate of helicopter deployment and the demand for fast, effective communication across networks of other assets operating in concert. Advanced relay of voice and data, including aspects of automation and encryption, can often be the deciding factor in the battlespace, while interoperability between helicopters and an increasing number of unmanned vehicles requires new suites and new solutions.

RECOMMENDED BRIEFING: Discussing the Options for Enhancing the Communications Systems On Board Spanish Air Force Platforms • How have lessons been learned from recent operations (both special and otherwise)? • What advancements in on-board communications are required for future expeditionary operations • What role will UAVs play in supporting future specialised missions? Colonel Luis Dosda Fernández, Chief of the Special Air Operations & Personnel Recovery Directorate, Air Combat Command, Spanish Air Force MRO/LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT

According to recent studies, the global military helicopter MRO market will grow at a CAGR of 2.41% from 2014 to 2018. Demand for military helicopters over this period will increase across developing countries – including China, India, Pakistan, and many burgeoning African states – which should in turn increase business for those providing helicopter MRO services.

Both helicopter platform and engine OEMs are emphasising investment into maintenance and complete-care solutions in response to the requirement of many militaries to keep costs down and simplify the management chain. Many end-users should therefore be choosing MRO services from OEMs to capitalise on their superior knowledge of the product. However, complex regulatory requirements now emplaced by many governments remain a hurdle for programme managers.

In addition, recent campaigns have seen operators struggle to balance maintenance schedules while the platforms are on active missions. Solving these issues is a case of learning from experienced practitioners and striving for innovative or collaborative methods to a long-running problem.

RECOMMENDED BRIEFING: Interactive Panel Discussion – Is it More Beneficial to Conduct MRO with the OEM or a 3rd Party Contractor? • Would the panelists propose in-house MRO or the use of an external contractor? • How has each panelist overcome supply chain challenges for their platforms with a particular focus on spare parts acquisition • Is there a need for greater dialogue between MRO providers and the user regarding the support of machines while in theatre? Colonel Jiri Vavra, Head of Air Force Development Department, Czech Armed Forces Colonel Steen Ulrich, Commander Helicopter Wing, Royal Danish Air Force SITUATIONAL AWARENESS / NIGHT OPERATIONS

The rotorcraft community has collectively struggled to deal with SA flaws in spite of strong advancements across other fields of technology. Sand, snow, dirt and darkness remain major causes of helicopter accidents, even among the most experienced pilots, while connecting with unseen obstructions, such as power lines, have killed some of the most highly rated military aviators of our time.

Techniques, training and new technology are all in the mix as ways to reduce Degraded Visual Environment (DVE), and the options available will be explored in depth at the International Military Helicopter conference. Issues at hand include the adoption of helmet-mounted display (HMD), trimmed down control panels, and real-time 360 ° visuals of the aircraft (e.g. “see-through” airframes).

RECOMMENDED BRIEFING: Interactive Panel Discussion – Assessing Developments in Communications Technology to Support Helicopter Operations • How does the type of operation impact the requirement for communications equipment? • Is there a risk that as technology develops, helicopters may become overloaded with mission systems? • What has been the panelists experience with integrating new systems onto legacy platforms? Colonel Luis Dosda Fernández, Chief of the Special Air Operations & Personnel Recovery Directorate, Air Combat Command, Spanish Air Force UK MoD Representative ISR SYSTEMS

Knowing the environment as you traverse it is one advantage, but even better would be to know the full lay of the land before the journey begins. UAVs and satellites are now increasingly being deployed as scouts and forward observers, so that helicopters get a clear understanding of what’s out there before having to find out for themselves. 3-D mapping of terrain can now be built on the ISR data of these assets and other units in the thick of battle, and this can be shared, rotated, manipulated and analysed wherever required.

From sharper FMV to data storage, ISR requirements for military helicopters today and in the future are more significant than ever, especially where COIN operations are concerned.

RECOMMENDED BRIEFING: Charting the Development of Helicopter Avionics & Aid Systems – Looking to the Future • How have defensive aids from infrared sensors to chaff protected the helicopter from air-to-air threats? • In what ways will future threats require new or modified aids to protect helicopters in congested or dangerous environments? • How must defensive aids be further developed to guarantee the security and reliability of helicopters in an increasingly contested and hostile EW environment? • Challenges of integrating newly acquired technology onto legacy platforms Senior Representative, Helicopters Operating Centre, UK MoD SAFETY SYSTEMS & COUNTERMEASURES

As low-flying aircraft required in the most hazardous of situations, helicopters must contend with not only the environment in which they operate but their own internal systems and their chances of mechanical failure. Frequently more complex than their fixed-wing counterparts, military helicopters are more prone to wear and have a higher crash rate.

Efforts are increasingly being made to improve survivability of the aircraft, with scalable solutions including composite armour on the airframe, innovative seat arrangement and suspension, real- time diagnostics, infrared countermeasures to combat MANPADS, and ground fire acquisition to respond quickly to enemy fire.

The latest research includes tests on foldable and autonomous legs to allow helicopters to land on extremely uneven terrain, enhanced wire-strike detection, and all-system diagnostics to identify possible failures in real-time.

RECOMMENDED BRIEFING: Interactive Panel Discussion: Protecting the Helicopter and Crew in Difficult Environments • Examining the panelists’ experiences with various methods of combating brown out • Is increased armouring a viable solution to increase the survivability of rotary wing platforms that are increasingly required to be flexible for different missions? • As helicopters are employed for an increasingly diverse array of missions, what changes must be made to TTPs and technologies to increase safety levels on different operations? Colonel Roberto Minini, Italian Army Captain Justin “Lumbergh” Sing, US Marine Corps TRAINING

It goes without saying that today’s pilots and gunners must possess self-discipline, confidence and intelligence, as well as be able to make quick decisions, multitask and perform under pressure. However, with an increasing amount of data pouring into the cockpit and more complex systems at their fingertips, it is vital that these men and women have the best possible training options available to them.

From mastering the physical platforms to understanding the grease-pencil basics, most training in the coming years will be instilled or enhanced by new technologies, including high-end simulators and e-learning courses. Wherever the future takes the military helicopter domain, it will be the human that determines its success.

Latest solutions include enhanced imagery realism, and helmet-mounted simulators for in-flight training – effectively converting the platform to a sim.

RECOMMENDED BRIEFING: Panel Discussion – Innovative Training Techniques & Technologies for Helicopters • With flight times growing ever more restricted how can training be achieved more efficiently? • How can we achieve Live, Virtual and Constructive training for helicopters? • What challenges are presented by the acquisition of new equipment and systems in terms of crew training? Colonel Scott Clancy, Commander of 1 Wing, Royal Canadian Air Force Colonel J.D. Bryant, Commandant of the Army Aviation Centre, British Army Major Joseph “Tweeder” Fry, AH-1Z Instructor Pilot, MAWTS-1 ADT&E, USMC 15th Annual 18th - 20th January 2016 Victoria Park Plaza Hotel, London, United Kingdom

“A large and diversified customer panel. As an exhibitor, a very good opportunity to meet customers” - Joseph Rollo, Thales

“Excellent speakers. Very clear, The Military enthusiastic and energetic” Helicopter Community’s - Brigadier General Emiro J Barrios, Chosen Forum Colombian Army

Confirmed Speakers:

Daniel Kostoval Brigadier General José Emiro Colonel Jiri Vavra Deputy Minister, Head, Barrios Jiménez Head, Air Force Development Armaments and Acquisition Commander of the Air Assault Department Division Aviation Division Czech Air Force Czech MoD National Army of Colombia Captain Scott Walsh Lieutenant General Olivier Air Commodore Hervé Bertrand Commander, Helicopter Gourlez-De-La-Motte Commander, Air Mobility Maritime Strike Wing Commander, Army Aviation Command US Atlantic Fleet French Army French Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Major General Richard Felton Colonel Sławomir Mąkosa Hendro Arief T. Commander, Joint Helicopter Commander, Army Aviation Chief of Operations Service, Command Brigade Atang Sendjaja Air Force Base UK MoD Polish Armed Forces Indonesian Air Force

Major General Andreas Marlow Colonel Roberto Minini Lieutenant Colonel Commander of the Rapid Forces Chief of the Flight Safety & Michel Gelders Division Legal Branch Chief of Air Capability Office, German Army Italian Army Doctrine & Requirements Division Belgian Armed Forces Joint Staff Brigadier General Robert Colonel J.D. Bryant Marion Commandant of the Army Aviation Program Executive Aviation Centre “Very interesting, we gained a lot Officer, Assistant Secretary British Army of benefit from this conference.” for Acquisition, Logistics & - Colonel Fehaid Alharbi - Royal Saudi Air Technology Colonel Steen Ulrich Force - Operations and Plans Officer US Army Head of the Helicopter Wing Danish Armed Forces Previous Sponsors Include:

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