Volume 32 Number 5 September/October 2013
Over the worst? NH90 programme begins to deliver
KOREA ON THE NEW OPPORTUNITIES DEFENSIVE WAVES ROK procurement Hostile fire indication Russian radar systems
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Client: ATEC Ad Title: Bringing more power Publication: Defence Helicopter - Sept/Oct 2013 Trim: 205 x 273 mm • Bleed: 211 x 279 mm • Live: 182 x 254 mm CONTENTS
Front cover: French Navy NH90 NFHs on exercise. In the first of a two-part series, Defence Helicopter looks at the progress of the programme to date. (Photo: Eurocopter)
3 Comment Editor Tony Skinner, [email protected] Tel: +44 1753 727020 4 News n Karem Aircraft to design tiltrotor for Staff Reporter JMR TD Jonathan Tringham, [email protected] n AgustaWestland invokes Indian Business Reporter arbitration clause Joyce de Thouars, [email protected] n Canada considers Cyclone alternatives Contributors n Polish helicopter competition nears RfP Patrick Allen, Gordon Arthur, Pieter Bastiaans, Rob Coppinger, Peter Donaldson, Jim Dorschner, Scott R Gourley, Iñigo Guevara Moyano, Alexander 8 Over the worst? Mladenov, Richard Scott, Lubomir Sedlak, Matthew Smith, Alan Warnes, Tom Withington The NH90 has had something of a troubled past, encompassing both opt-outs from Production Department Manager nations such as the UK and difficult 26 David Hurst, [email protected] negotiations between the OEM and NATO Sub-editor Adam Wakeling Helicopter Management Organisation 32 Sensing change countries. Defence Helicopter charts its Night vision systems and improved day Commercial Manager Jane Smith, [email protected] turbulent history to date. sensors have been a real game-changer for Tel: +44 1753 727004 both domestic and international helicopter
Editor-in-Chief 13 Sustainable development operations. Defence Helicopter considers Tony Skinner As the first aircraft are delivered to their evolution in US service. squadrons, Defence Helicopter reviews the Managing Director Darren Lake status of the UK’s Merlin Mk 2 upgrade effort. 36 New waves Two latest-generation attack helicopter Chairman Nick Prest 15 Korea opportunities types are now in production in Russia. Against a background of continued friction Defence Helicopter looks at the SUBSCRIPTIONS CDS Global, Tower House, Lathkill Street, with Pyongyang and uncertainty over development, testing and entry into service Sovereign Park, Market Harborough, geopolitical shifts in the wider region, Defence of their radar systems. Leics LE16 9EF, UK Paid subscription contacts: Helicopter outlines South Korea’s current and Tel: +44 1858 438879 future military helicopter requirements. 40 Making gains Fax: +44 1858 461739 Email: [email protected] Major General William T Crosby, 20 On the defensive US Army Program Executive Officer, Defence Helicopter (USPS 023-352) is published six times per year – in January/February, March/April, From mature acoustic gunfire location Aviation, talks to Defence Helicopter about May/June, July/August, September/October and systems to next-generation situational the future composition of rotary-wing November/December– by The Shephard Press Ltd, 268 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 4DX, UK. awareness initiatives, defensive aids suites assets in the service. Subscription rates start at £65. Subscription records are maintained at CDS Global, are vital in ensuring airborne safety within Tower House, Lathkill Street, Sovereign Park, hostile environments. Defence Helicopter Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9EF, UK. Air Business Ltd is acting as mailing agent. surveys the market. Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of The Shephard Press Ltd and may IN THE NEXT ISSUE not be reproduced in any form without the written 26 Preparing the ground NH90 part 2 permission of the publishers. No responsibility can be Providing sufficient infrastructure for aircraft accepted for loss of or damage to uncommissioned Composites and structures photographs or manuscripts. maintenance and repair in-theatre is vital for Simulation extended operations. Defence Helicopter talks DTP by Vivid Associates Ltd, Sutton, Surrey, UK Middle East market Printed by Williams Press, Maidenhead, UK to the warfighters tasked with keeping US © The Shephard Press Ltd, 2013 combat helicopters in the air. ISSN 1741-6043
Subscriptions Shephard’s aerospace and defence publishing portfolio incorporates six titles: Defence Helicopter, Digital Battlespace, Land Warfare International, The Shephard Press Ltd Military Logistics International, RotorHub and Unmanned Vehicles. 268 Bath Road, Slough, Berks, SL1 4DX, UK Published bi-monthly, all have become respected and renowned for Tel: +44 1753 727001 covering global issues within their respective industry sector. Fax: +44 1753 727002 For more information, including editorial content in the current issues, visit shephardmedia.com/magazines.
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subs_portfolio.indd 1 23/8/10 17:15:02 www.rotorhub.com Volume 32 Number 5 | September/October 2013 | Defence Helicopter 1
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DH_SepOct13_p02.indd 2 11/10/2013 10:39:40 COMMENT
Russia opens up, as helicopter OEM gets ready to go global
THERE IS NO DOUBT TO ANYONE who has The visit included: a look at the production followed the political machinations over Syria in lines for the Mi-26, Mi-35 and Mi-28; a briefing on recent weeks that an acrimonious strategic rivalry the new Mi-28UB, which features dual controls continues to linger between the US and Russia. for pilot training; a look at blade production and The holding company that oversees all of new composite techniques; and the chance Russia’s rotorcraft production is, however, to get up close and personal with some classic clearly trying to put the Cold War well and truly helicopters from the Mil design bureau. behind it, and continues to widen links with the Outgoing CEO Dmitry Petrov also briefed West in an attempt to further its footprint. us in Moscow on the level of the company’s After some lean times in the post-Soviet era, ambition and its plans to further its Russian Helicopters has undergone a significant international footprint. renaissance in recent years, buoyed by some significant military orders from Moscow and JOINT EFFORTS the continued success of the Mi-17. In addition to joint production of the AW139 Indeed, growth in the supply of helicopters to under the Helivert venture, Russian Helicopters the Russian MoD has seen the company jump is considering setting up production of its from 39th to 24th in the Defense News ‘Top 100’ Kazan Ansat model in South Africa, through of largest defence companies for 2012, based on partnering agreements with Paramount military equipment sales volumes. Group and Denel Aviation, as well as the final Details of Russia’s multi-billion dollar effort to assembly of the Kamov Ka-62 in Brazil. modernise its military helicopter fleet emerged While both types are squarely aimed at the in 2011 when long-term contracts were signed civil market, this does provide some indication of for a range of types, including Ka-52 and Mi-28NE the direction of the company’s thinking. Petrov attack helicopters and Mi-8/Mi-17 transports. argued that Russian helicopters were ideal for the Then First Deputy Defence Minister Vladimir hot climates of South America and parts of Asia Popovkin said at the time that the replacement given their robustness and ease of maintenance. programme would cost $29 billion, while The company is also mirroring the research analysts forecast that the modernisation being done by Western OEMs in attempting drive could see as many as 1,100 helicopters to increase the speed of future rotorcraft. Its purchased by 2020, which would account for Russian Advanced Commercial Helicopter some 80% of the military’s fleet. (RACHEL) project will see a test aircraft, based In addition, Russian Helicopters has achieved on the Mi-35 but with an amended rotor a feat that was unthinkable only a few years system, flown for the first time in 2014. ago – selling the Pentagon Mi-17 helicopters While such information is obviously for use in Afghanistan, which has unsurprisingly invaluable for the specialist helicopter proven controversial in the US. journalist, it was the openness of the visit and The company has also furthered its the level of detail provided that was impressive. relationship with AgustaWestland, signing an Useful data on Russian helicopter ‘Russian Helicopters has agreement for the development of a new 2.5t derivatives has traditionally been extremely achieved a feat that was class single-engined helicopter for the global difficult to come by. The fact that Russian unthinkable only a few market at the MAKS air show in August. Helicopters has developed a proactive media It was against this backdrop that Defence strategy and is willing and able to outline its years ago – selling Mi-17s Helicopter joined a media tour in August to plans to inquisitive journalists should in itself to the Pentagon.’ view the production facilities at Rostvertol have the larger Western OEMs looking over in Rostov-on-Don, which was insightful on a their shoulders. number of different levels. Tony Skinner, Editor
www.rotorhub.com Volume 31 Number 5 | September/October 2013 | Defence Helicopter 3
DH_SepOct13_p03_Comment.indd 3 11/10/2013 10:40:27 NEWS
Karem Aircraft to design tiltrotor for JMR TD design contract for Phase 1 of the Joint Multi- flexible basing, and reduced fuel logistics,’ the Role (JMR) Technology Demonstrator (TD). company told Defence Helicopter. On 2 October, the US Army’s Aviation and Karem argues that the OSTR technology has Missile Research, Development and Engineering the potential to offer a ‘new paradigm’ in utility Center (AMRDEC) announced the award of four and performance for future US Army rotorcraft, technology investment agreements to AVX and can be scaled across all Future Vertical Lift Aircraft, Bell, Karem and Sikorsky for the TD. (FVL) sizes (4,500kg to over 90,000kg). Karem has emerged as a surprise contender The company’s design first emerged with an offer to develop its TR36TD optimum during the US Army-led Joint Heavy Lift (JHL) speed tiltrotor (OSTR) for the JMR effort. programme where it had offered the TR75 According to the company, the TR36TD featuring twin 23m-diameter tilting rotors. will feature twin 11m-diameter variable-speed Karem was teamed with Lockheed Martin as a rotors and use existing turboshaft engines, production partner during the 2007-2010 CDA-X while providing advances in weight, programme extension of JHL. Lockheed has Karem Aircraft’s OSTR drive train, aerodynamic efficiency and since teamed with Bell to develop the V-280 has emerged as a surprise propulsion efficiency. Valor tiltrotor for the JMR TD. contender for JMR TD. ‘TR36TD technology enables production Under the technology investment contracts (Image: Karem Aircraft) versions to attain level flight speeds of 360kt, awarded by AMRDEC, the four industry teams high sustained manoeuvre, long ranges and will refine their designs and prepare for potential A FRESH CONTENDER HAS JOINED the race higher rates of climb than most jets, while flight tests late in FY2017. It is expected that the to design the US military’s next generation of reducing total cost of ownership through field will be reduced to two teams by that point. rotorcraft. Karem Aircraft has been awarded a low acquisition cost, simplified maintenance, By Tony Skinner, London AgustaWestland invokes Indian arbitration clause
HAVING LOST ITS BATTLE FOR A DIALOGUE available for the aircraft, the IAF is using the with the Indian authorities, AgustaWestland AW101s sparingly for training. India has already is invoking the arbitration clause in its AW101 made advance payments for the helicopters. ‘A contract with the country’s MoD. decision has to be taken soon on how to The move comes as company executives proceed forward,’ he said. face trial in the Italian courts over alleged Arbitration proceedings will be conducted misdeeds related to the VVIP helicopter in India under the Indian Arbitration and programme, which was frozen from 1 February. Conciliation Act of 1996. Three arbitrators will The Indian Air Force (IAF) ordered 12 VVIP be nominated – one by the buyer, one by the AW101s valued at $753 million in 2010, of which seller and a third following mutual agreement. Three of the 12 AW101s ordered by the IAF three – two in VIP configuration and one cargo While the contract states bilateral discussions have been delivered. (Photo: Rick Ingham) variant – have been delivered to the Air HQ can start after 60 days of non-action, there is no Communications Squadron, based at New indication yet of a likely timeline. However, it is now argued that this was done Delhi’s Palam airport. ‘The issues in question relate to the unilateral to prevent a single tender situation, and According to India’s Chief of the Air Staff suspension of the contract. Neither the contract re-certification to 6,000m for the AW101 ACM NAK Browne, the fact that deliveries of the nor the associated integrity pact confers such was a non-issue for the company. remaining helicopters remain in limbo is a cause rights on the Indian MoD,’ AgustaWestland said ‘Nobody disagrees this is the best helicopter. for concern as the IAF plans to retire its VIP fleet in a statement. The IAF is ready to take more… This is too much of Mi-8s from 2014. The controversy has its roots in changes made wasted time,’ a defence maintenance engineer Speaking to Defence Helicopter on 4 October, to the service ceiling requirements in the MoD’s said to DH on condition of anonymity. Browne said that with only limited spares RfP, allegedly to accommodate AgustaWestland. By Neelam Mathews, New Delhi
4 Defence Helicopter | September/October 2013 | Volume 32 Number 5 www.rotorhub.com
DH_SepOct13_p04_News.indd 4 11/10/2013 10:41:36 NEWS
Canada considers NEWS ON THE WEB MOOG JOINS TEAM VALOR AS FLIGHT Cyclone alternatives CONTROL SYSTEM EXPERT 10 October 2013 ‘[The] government believed they bought an OTS product,’ continues the report. ‘[It therefore] INDONESIAN HELICOPTER ISSUES structured the project and established DENIED BY EUROCOPTER governance based on that understanding.’ 9 October 2013 The problem is that the CH-148 is instead ‘a full development programme’, Hitachi DOWNTURN IN LIGHT MILITARY ROTORCRAFT SALES PREDICTED concluded, and the structure of the project is 8 October 2013 The CH-148 has been described as a ‘full not appropriate for a developmental effort. This misalignment goes some way to development programme’. (Photo: RCAF) ELBIT SYSTEMS ANNOUNCES DCOMPASS explaining why Canada and Sikorsky are at FOLLOW-ON ORDER THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT HAS loggerheads regarding the helicopter, which has 7 October 2013 confirmed that meetings are under way with been described as ‘the worst procurement in the rival aircraft manufacturers to determine the history of Canada’ by former Defence Minister US SHUTDOWN AFFECTS future of the troubled CH-148 Cyclone maritime Peter MacKay. HELICOPTER PRODUCTION 4 October 2013 helicopter project (MHP). The only way to get the project on track is On 3 October, officials from the Department through ‘stakeholder commitment to a new UK SEEKS THREAT SIMULATORS form of governance’, according to the report. of National Defence and Public Works and FOR HELICOPTERS Government Services Canada (PWGSC) met with Under its proposed revised project 3 October 2013 executives from AgustaWestland, Eurocopter and management, Canada would join Sikorsky as Sikorsky to look at ways to move the delayed members of a CH-148 ‘Integrated Product Team’, KRATOS TO BUILD MAINTENANCE Sea King replacement programme forward. headed by an MHP ‘trail boss’, who would be able TRAINERS FOR CH-53K PWGSC spokesman Pierre-Alain Bujold to make realistic decisions on everyone’s behalf. 1 October 2013 confirmed the meeting took place, stating the In exchange for getting things done, Canada government was soliciting the companies’ would have to prioritise its requirements and BOLIVIA BUYS SIX SUPER PUMAS FOR ANTI-DRUG WAR ‘views’ as part of its ‘analysis of options to ensure ‘be required to sacrifice less important MHRS 1 October 2013 the maintenance of a maritime helicopter [maritime helicopter requirement specifications] capability’. to deliver relevant capability to the RCAF’. MERLIN CELEBRATES TEN ‘The government will take the time it needs Government spokesperson Amber Irwin YEARS IN SERVICE to complete its data-gathering engagement responded to the leaked report by arguing that it 30 September 2013 with those companies,’ he told Defence was ‘not yet finalised’, and Ottawa will consider its Helicopter via email. recommendations once the study was complete. S-97 RAIDER PROTOTYPE While Canada had contracted Sikorsky for According to Stewart Webb, a defence ENTERS FINAL ASSEMBLY 27 September 2013 28 CH-148s, a militarised variant of the S-92, to analyst who co-authored a report for the replace the 1960s-era Sea King fleet, no finalised Rideau Institute on the CH-148 procurement, TURBOMECA SIGNS UK RTM 322 ENGINE models have been delivered, despite a planned options include the AW101, EC725, NH90 NFH SERVICE CONTRACT initial in-service date of 2008. and even the Sikorsky MH-60R. 24 September 2013 With Sikorsky yet to deliver a contractually ‘Originally, the EH101 was selected by compliant helicopter, the $1.8 billion the [Conservative] Mulroney government for SAGEM TO DEVELOP NEW MPME procurement has become an ongoing headache both SAR and the navy [in 1987],’ he explained VERSION FOR FRENCH ARMY for Ottawa. to DH. However, that deal was scuttled for 24 September 2013 A leaked report prepared for the government political reasons by the incoming Liberal by Hitachi Consulting argued that Canada government in 1993. and Sikorsky are ‘misaligned in the most Intriguingly, Canada has sent a team to the UK fundamental way’ over the troubled project. to look at the RN’s Merlins. However, questions The report states that what Canada thought remain about the political viability of going back it was buying and what Sikorsky was actually to the AW101 after cancelling the contract two offering were two different things, with this decades ago at a cost of nearly $0.5 billion. All these stories can be found at misunderstanding existing ‘at the outset of By Jonathan Tringham, London, www.rotorhub.com this project’. and James Careless, Ottawa
www.rotorhub.com Volume 32 Number 5 | September/October 2013 | Defence Helicopter 5
DH_SepOct13_p05_News.indd 5 11/10/2013 10:42:02 NEWS ANALYSIS
Polish helicopter competition nears RfP The S-70i helicopter is already part- The S-70i is already assembled in Poland. manufactured and assembled in Poland for export (Photo: Sikorsky) markets such as Brunei, Colombia, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. Major cabin structures are also produced for the UH-60M. According to company PR manager Michal Tabisz, ‘PZL [Mielec] has a hot production line and is the only facility in Poland able to deliver on the dates required’. Since acquiring PZL Mielec in 2007, Sikorsky has invested more than $140 million in new manufacturing infrastructure and employed a further 800 employees to make the company EUROPE’S LARGEST HELICOPTER aviation company, PZL-Świdnik, in 2010. into one of Poland’s most significant competition is beginning to gain momentum, Its Polish engineers have participated in the aerospace enterprises. with all three contenders showcasing their design, development and pre-production of Given these factors, the Polish helicopter aircraft at the MSPO exhibition in Kielce, Poland, the AW149, which the company believes allows competition is a significant and challenging one in early September. the capability to offer through-life support for the three competitors and the MND. There will The Polish Ministry of National Defence in-country. be major industrial and commercial implications (MND) has specified a requirement for 70 Meanwhile, Eurocopter displayed a French Air for both the winner and the two losers, whichever multirole helicopters in four variants – utility, Force EC725 Caracal at MSPO in its attempt to helicopter is chosen. SAR, CSAR and ASW. underline the claim that it offers the most mature All the competitors are claiming they are Part of the requirement is for a high degree European design. offering the highest levels of Polish industrial of domestic industrial participation, which has Company spokesperson Olivier Michalon told involvement. Indeed, the majority of domestic resulted in the contenders offering a range of DH that as the EC725 has been combat-proven companies and research centres in the aviation industrial solutions, from the acquisition of Polish in recent operations in Afghanistan, Libya and sector have aligned themselves with one or more companies to the opening of new factory sites. Mali, it was the most ‘battle-proven design’ from of the competitors. The MND has a fascinating shortlist of a European manufacturer. Furthermore, Polish However, although the potential programme helicopters to choose from – AgustaWestland’s forces already have some combat experience is large, it is not in itself sufficient enough to keep AW149, Eurocopter’s EC725 Caracal and Sikorsky’s with the EC725, as ‘Polish special forces used it every one of these companies busy. S-70i Black Hawk. in Kabul’. None of the competitors have been fully At the time of MSPO, the procurement Eurocopter’s industrial offer to Poland is explicit about their definitions of Polish industrial process was still being finalised, but all three different to the approaches adopted by its ‘involvement’. It remains to be seen just how much competitors informed Defence Helicopter that competitors. Along with Turbomeca, it is high technology, such as modern engines and they expected an RfP in late 2013, followed by proposing to create two new full assembly avionics, gets imported and assembled compared in-country flight tests and an invitation to tender. lines in the country for both the Caracal and its to getting the technology know-how transferred A contract could be awarded as early as the first Makila 2 turboshaft engines. and items subsequently manufactured in Poland. half of 2014. Eurocopter’s parent company, EADS, already As for the helicopters themselves, they are AgustaWestland is marketing the AW149 has a long-established industrial capability all capable and can no doubt fulfil the Polish as the ‘latest generation and most modern in Poland, having acquired aviation manufacturer requirements – although there are differences helicopter on the market’. The company claims PZL Warszawa-Okęcie in 2001. between them. that it is at the start of its product life cycle and It remains to be seen how much consideration therefore, unlike its competitors, has been DOMESTIC MANUFACTURE the MND will give to the industrial offers compared designed for the next 30-40 years, with advanced Sikorsky’s fully owned Polish subsidiary PZL Mielec to the product offers. What is certain, given the size and latest-generation avionics. is offering the S-70i Black Hawk, which is marketed of the requirement, is that the global helicopter The OEM has a considerable industrial as the ‘international and exportable variant’ of the community is eagerly awaiting the result. presence in Poland, having acquired its largest UH-60M used by the US Army. By Trevor Sheehan, Kielce
6 Defence Helicopter | September/October 2013 | Volume 32 Number 5 www.rotorhub.com
DH_SepOct13_p06_News.indd 6 11/10/2013 10:42:28 Shephard_SA14_205x273 (earlybird)revised.pdf 1 21/9/2013 3:06:38 PM
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DH_SepOct13_p07.indd 7 11/10/2013 10:42:59 NH90 UPDATE PART 1 Over the
The NH90 has had he multi-national, multi-variant NH90 Programme Group, which was established in worst?programme has had its fair share of 1976 in order to seek closer cooperation in T something of a troubled development problems, production delays defence equipment matters by national past, encompassing both and cost overruns, with political and industrial governments, the NH90 was one of the steps opt-outs from nations such considerations having plagued the towards rationalisation of the European rotary- programme from the outset. However, wing industry together with the heavier EH101, as the UK and difficult deliveries are now gathering pace. the Tiger attack helicopter and the planned negotiations between Speaking to Defence Helicopter at Gilze-Rijen ‘Tonal’ version of the A129. the OEM and NATO Air Base in the Netherlands during the third and latest NH90 product conference, Peter DEVELOPMENT FOCUS Helicopter Management Harris, the platform’s programme change The need to develop a new maritime platform Organisation countries. manager at NH Industries (NHI), explained that for single-helicopter shipborne operations was Pieter Bastiaans charts ‘there are now 530 helicopters on firm order, of identified by a number of European countries which we have delivered around 150 to the in the late 1970s, and a programme feasibility its turbulent history to date. customer side’. study was initiated in 1985 by France, Germany, Envisaged as a member of a family of Italy, the Netherlands and the UK. helicopters by the Independent European However, attention soon shifted to a common airframe capable of taking on both transport and maritime tasks, with standardisation between the two versions leading to reduced production and exploitation costs, it was believed.
The first FOC NFH delivered to the Netherlands is seen going through its paces (Photos: author)
8 Defence Helicopter | September/October 2013 | Volume 32 Number 5 www.rotorhub.com
DH_SepOct13_p08-12_NH90.indd 8 11/10/2013 10:43:49 NH90 UPDATE PART 1 Over the worst?
All German Air Force TTHs have now been handed over to Army Aviation as part of the helicopter capabilities transfer.
According to a recent study by Daniel After deciding that it did not have a Feeling threatened by NHI’s aggressive export Uiterwijk, a former lecturer at the Netherlands requirement for such a helicopter and would drive, officials also argued that industry should Defence Academy, Westland Helicopters’ go instead for the 15t EH101, the UK opted focus more on achieving timely delivery to the representative on the NH90 programme already out of the NH90 programme in 1987 and the launch customers of the programme. noted in 1985 that ‘the history of collaborative remaining four nations signed an MoU for a joint In the meantime, some of these customers programmes suggests that the NH90 in-service design and development programme of the felt compelled to accept ‘meaningful operational date, 1994, is extremely optimistic – it will take an NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) and the capable’ – or ‘initial operational capable’ in the awful long time to set up’. NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) in 1991. This led case of the TTH – airframes with immature The study, called ‘Aligning logics in a to the first prototype undertaking its maiden capabilities in order to continue the transition European military helicopter programme’, also flight on 18 December 1995. process from often ageing legacy rotary-wing shows that similar views were expressed by the Subsequent negotiations between aircraft to the new NH90. then managing director of what would become NATO Helicopter Management Organisation A series of qualification and certification issues Eurocopter, who argued that ‘it is a good idea (NAHEMO) countries and NHI regarding unit are continuing to this day, and this has led to to go ahead with the programme, but it is a costs proved difficult, with France, Germany, insufficient availability of NH90 helicopters for very difficult way to go with five nations’. Italy and the Netherlands also arguing about conversion training in general. workshare issues. Customisation due to differing requirements However, in June 2000, the participating regarding engines, sonar, EW systems, radios nations signed the contract for the subsequent and other mission equipment has led to a large production phase, with the first NH90 being number of variants, with some 45 acknowledged delivered in 2006 to the German Army. Portugal by NHI by 2007. also signed the NAHEMO MoU in 2001, with According to Uiterwijk’s study, NHI has Belgium joining in 2007. shown to be having problems managing the different variants. FURTHER DELAYS Due to qualification and certification problems, MAKING MISTAKES the NH90 programme has been confronted A Fokker NH90 source reportedly stated: ‘NHI with further delays. At one point, problems within has made a very big mistake by accepting so the NATO Helicopter Management Agency many variants, making it extremely difficult for (NAHEMA) prompted French officials to propose itself, especially in the qualification area.’ handing over responsibility for the programme to The study also suggests that work, in terms the European organisation for joint armament of testing and providing the appropriate cooperation, OCCAR, which also oversees documentation, has been severely development of the Tiger attack helicopter. underestimated by NHI, with each nation
www.rotorhub.com Volume 32 Number 5 | September/October 2013 | Defence Helicopter 9
DH_SepOct13_p08-12_NH90.indd 9 11/10/2013 10:43:50 NH90 UPDATE PART 1
having its own guidelines in regard to qualifying ( THINK SPECIAL OPERATIONS ) the NH90’s subsystems and mission equipment. Active selling of the NH90 to non-NAHEMO Armed with cutting edge defense helicopter technology. countries has further compounded the problem. All weather capable, unrivalled in harshest environment, combat proven. One of the problems was the fact that the Ready for special operations from most remote areas or warships. original design of the NH90 operational flight EC725 - Deploy the best. resident software (OFRS) took only three helicopter versions into account during the design and development phase. However, once the production phase commenced, the OFRS had to support additional system and equipment configurations required by different users. This eventually led to the introduction of the software product line approach, which revolves around a common, managed set of features that satisfy the specific needs of a particular mission, while NHI has also been looking at ways to incorporate integrated modular avionics as part of a future open avionics system architecture into the NH90. Meanwhile, workshare issues also continue to affect the international helicopter A mock-up of the proposed outboard gun installation which is compatible with the M134, M3M and programme. Uiterwijk’s study explains how MAG (left) and an Italian TTH fitted with the current mounting for the M134 Gatling gun (right). Germany, Italy and the Netherlands are all (Photos: author/Michiel Vermeer) behind in receiving workshare, with prime managers. The JEC oversees coordination of In Italy, AgustaWestland uses its new facilities in contractors AgustaWestland and Eurocopter the various national requirements, and different Venice Tessera to produce a total of 160 NH90s also appearing to favour subcontractors from functional working groups come together on for Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal. their own countries. a regular basis to discuss engineering, logistics Finnish and Swedish TTHs are assembled by On top of this comes what a Fokker official support and other issues. Patria in Halli, Finland, while Eurocopter Spain called the ‘common work’ issue. This involves The wider NH90 community also comprises has its own assembly plant at Albacete in work that is conducted on all NH90s. However, the Nordic countries of Finland, Sweden Spain. Brisbane-based Australian Aerospace is with the programme having evolved into an and Norway. responsible for deliveries of the MRH90 variant extensive range of sub-variants with different The Nordic Standard Helicopter Program to the Australian Defence Forces. mission systems, production activities became closely liaises with NAHEMA and has even less common. decided to move its programme office from VARIOUS VERSIONS Uiterwijk suggests that France defined its Stockholm to Aix-en-Provence in France, where Based on which engine is installed, five workshare in the programme on the basis of NAHEMA is based. Export countries such as versions of the basic NH90 TTH and NFH can common work, with everything that is not Australia, New Zealand and Spain have only be distinguished. The T- and N-versions are common being exempt and subsequently limited NAHEMA involvement, whereas Greece respectively a TTH and an NFH fitted with two offered to the domestic aerospace industry. This and Oman deal more directly with NHI itself. 2,388shp Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca RTM322-01/9 has led to a situation in which the country, On the industry side, the NHI joint venture is engines. Due to Italy insisting on powering its according to recent Dutch MoD figures, has a owned by AgustaWestland, Eurocopter and NH90s with the General Electric T700, 37% workshare instead of the 30.85% which Fokker. NHI has a corporate structure that closely the G- and the H-version of the TTH and NFH are was agreed upon. resembles how NAHEMA is organised. powered by the 2,269shp T700-T6E1 engine. Due to a lack of progress, a new structure was The M-version is also fitted with General Electric’s NH90 COMMUNITY enforced by NAHEMO governments in 2007 that T700 and is a marinised tactical transport NAHEMA acts as the international programme resulted in NHI distributing responsibility for the helicopter (MTTH) for sea-based operations office to which negotiations with industry NFH to AgustaWestland, whereas Eurocopter by the Italian Navy. have been delegated by the six NAHEMO was placed in charge of the TTH, and Despite declining interest in the NH90 countries. consequently Fokker became a subcontractor. immediately after the end of the Cold War It gets its directives from a steering committee, Final assembly of French and most export due to the resultant cuts in defence budgets – formed by national heads of delegation, and its NH90s is conducted at Eurocopter’s facilities in leading to countries pushing back in-service Thinking without limits subordinate joint executive committee (JEC), Marseille-Marignane, France, with German dates and subsequent reductions in which is run by the national NH90 programme airframes being built in Donauwörth, Germany. procurement numbers – NHI has managed
10 Defence Helicopter | September/October 2013 | Volume 32 Number 5 www.rotorhub.com
DH_SepOct13_p08-12_NH90.indd 10 11/10/2013 10:43:58 EC725-SpecOps-DefenseHeli-205x273-EN.indd 1 08/03/2013 14:30 ( THINK SPECIAL OPERATIONS )
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DH_SepOct13_p08-12_NH90.indd 11 11/10/2013 10:44:05 EC725-SpecOps-DefenseHeli-205x273-EN.indd 1 08/03/2013 14:30 NH90 UPDATE PART 1
Helicopter Command in 2008. Concurrently, the Netherlands introduced its SAP business management system, which like its SASPF derivative used in Germany, provided an additional challenge during the introduction of the NH90. SAP helps manage the logistics processes and the resulting maintenance aspects. Before it can generate near-real-time management information, however, the SAP system first needs to be filled with data, which is a time-consuming process. Some industrial sources have also suggested that the Netherlands has ignored NHI’s recommendations in regard to spare part stock levels at the Logistic Center Woensdrecht depot. However, another batch of spare parts for the remainder of the production aircraft on contract was about to be ordered in late September. ‘There is no strong lead customer – it is multiple nations with their own histories, with The repair tool for the NH90’s composite fuselage structure. (Photo: author) their own organisations,’ added Harris. ‘NHI is to attract orders for an impressive 413 TTHs. life-cycle support services for its Nordic working hard to plug that gap. Instead of sitting Customers comprise Australia (47), Belgium customers must also be seen in this light. back, both the customer and industry have to (four), Finland (20), France (68), Germany (82), ‘The pressure on the support arrangements is strive for a collaborative mode. That’s why we Greece (20), Italy (70), New Zealand (nine), Oman very high,’ continued Harris. ‘The customers in create integrated support teams in the support (20), Portugal (10), Spain (45) and Sweden (18). the last 12 months have more than doubled the areas in order to allow a flow of information. A total of 129 NFHs are currently also on order. amount of hours the NH90 has flown compared This is needed to launch investment at our own Customers include Belgium (four), France (27), to all the previous years combined – from 16,000 facilities to forecast what spares and repairs Italy (46), the Netherlands (20) and Norway (14). to 38,000 hours. We have been setting up NH90 might be needed in the future.’ More recently, Germany also ordered 18 NFHs as fleets in all corners of the globe. That creates its new maritime helicopter. tension on our supply lines. LESSONS LEARNED ‘Overcoming the spare parts problem is a Most participants during the recent product SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS shared challenge. Important for us is to have a conference agreed that the most important With ‘final operational capability’ (FOC) good understanding of how each customer lessons which have been identified during the NH90 deliveries well under way and the orders his spares, with each country using its whole of the NH90 programme are the need aircraft fully complying with the requirements own sets of software. At the same time, some for a single lead nation, a lead industry and laid out by NAHEMA, Harris said: ‘The real customers have kept a lot of responsibility for less customisation. test for us now is increasing availability, so that logistics support on their side.’ The elaborate qualification and certification the small fleets that have been operated can Harris named the Netherlands, which hosted process, with officials being involved from the stay in the air for the maximum amount of time, the annual product conference, in this respect. various design and development countries and and keep the training rate high and the spare the international programme office NAHEMA, parts flowing.’ COLLABORATIVE MODE alongside different programme arrangements Initial reports showed that poor availability Insufficient spares availability has been a being in effect with the NH90 community of spare parts was hampering the Italian NH90 major issue in the Netherlands. Unlike Oman, nations, has hampered the programme in deployment to Afghanistan and this led to for instance, which has opted for an extensive general. some cannibalisation of aircraft parts. support scheme, the Dutch MoD itself seems However, with deliveries of FOC aircraft now As a result, NHI officials have recently partly to blame, as it decided for a limited under way and NHI increasingly focusing on expressed their intent to shift focus to beefing integrated logistics support contract due to through-life support, the NH90 finally seems to up logistics support. This will be done by financial constraints. be reaching maturity. DH improving the supply chain in order to sustain The introduction of the NH90 in the In the next issue of Defence Helicopter, the worldwide NH90 fleet. Netherlands was also hampered by the Pieter Bastiaans looks at the improved The OEM’s latest move to enhance maritime helicopter group being reorganised support of the NH90 and the aircraft’s cooperation with Patria in regard to NH90 and becoming part of the new Defence deployment on operations.
12 Defence Helicopter | September/October 2013 | Volume 32 Number 5 www.rotorhub.com
DH_SepOct13_p08-12_NH90.indd 12 11/10/2013 10:44:05 PROGRAMME UPDATE
he UK Royal Navy has stood up the first to the mission system processing performance, ‘The key challenge was that we were really Tunit to operate the enhanced Merlin HM and new capabilities for the Blue Kestrel radar trying to push the boundaries in terms of what is Mk 2 helicopter at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall. and sonar system. technologically possible but doing it to time At a ceremony at the base at the end of July, An enhanced communications suite has also and cost. This involved a million lines of code, it was revealed that the first five aircraft been incorporated, featuring a new intercom, which was more than there was on the Nimrod upgraded as part of the £750 million ($1.2 billion) SATURN VHF/UHF radios and a new HF radio. [maritime patrol aircraft] so it is extremely project have now been delivered to 824 Naval complex. We have fused all the available Air Squadron. RAPID RE-ROLE information together and provided the ability Under the Merlin Capability Sustainment Cdr Andy Lison, aviation lead for the Merlin, to share with other aircraft and warships,’ Programme (MCSP), 30 Merlin Mk 1 Lynx and Sea King teams at the UK’s Defence Lison said. helicopters are being converted to Mk 2s at Equipment & Support procurement body, noted The MoD claims that the investment in AgustaWestland’s Yeovil facility, with support that equipment improvements and greater MCSP will deliver an overall cost saving of more from prime contractor Lockheed Martin. modularity would also enable the helicopters than £500 million through the avoidance of Once trials are completed and flight crews to be re-roled to carry out counter-piracy and obsolescence, and the programme is also trained to the new standard, the first aircraft casualty evacuation missions. forecast to lead to savings on future support are expected to be ready for operations by ‘We have changed the aircraft from what costs adding up to over £75 million. mid-2014, with deliveries of all 30 expected to was its original raison d’être and created an Lt Cdr Tony Morris, a flight instructor with be completed by 2015. ASW hunter that is very flexible for other roles. 824 NAS, said the new glass cockpit, with The original contract had included an option We have been able to take the lessons from large-area flat panel displays by Barco, allowed for up to eight more aircraft, but it emerged in how we use the Mk 1 and incorporate those for much greater sharing of information 2009 that this would not be taken up. into this platform. The biggest leap is that between the operator and flight crew. Fitted with a glass cockpit and an improved flexibility,’ Lison told Defence Helicopter. ‘The operator is able to create elements of the aircrew mission console and avionics, the Merlin Radar and underwater acoustics key information for sharing with the guys in the HM2 features touchscreen displays, along with improvements were provided by sub- front as needed.’ an improved ability to detect and track targets contractors Selex ES and Thales, while the and share data with other aircraft and ships programme placed an emphasis on greater while airborne. use of COTS equipment and an open As the first aircraft are The programme includes the implementation computer architecture in an attempt to of an open systems architecture, improvements reduce costs. delivered to squadrons, Tony Skinner reviews the status of the UK’s Merlin Mk 2 Sustainable upgrade effort. development
The first examples of the Merlin HM2 to enter service with the Royal Navy were displayed to the media at RNAS Culdrose in July. (Photo: author)
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DH_SepOct13_p13-14_Merlin.indd 13 11/10/2013 10:44:43 PROGRAMME UPDATE
operational – a fact highlighted by the National Audit Office (NAO) in a May report. The NAO noted that while the MoD was able to announce in May 2012 that it had finally balanced its ten-year equipment plan, this came at the cost of delaying investment in the Crowsnest AEW system, which will provide force protection for the UK’s new aircraft carriers. ‘Crowsnest will begin radar trials in 2020 but will only be fully operationally effective from late 2022. Unless the [MoD] is able to bring forward funding or finds a credible alternative which does not compromise capability, when the Carrier Strike Group first becomes operationally available in late 2020, some operational tasks could only be undertaken with additional risks,’ the report said.
HEAD TO HEAD Lockheed Martin UK and Thales are going head to head for the Crowsnest requirement. A downselect to one of the two competing systems is expected to take place in two years’ The observer’s panel in the Merlin HM2, featuring time. Each solution is expected to reach TRL 7 touchscreen displays and an maturity to be eligible for selection. improved ability to share According to the MoD, the demonstration information with the pilots and manufacturing costs of the project are (Photo: RN) expected be from £230-500 million, depending on a number of factors, including who is chosen FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION place with Qinetiq at Boscombe Down from to provide the mission system and which radar On a demonstration flight for media out of early 2012. Shipborne trials aboard RFA Argus are units are used. Culdrose, mission specialist Lt George planned for November. The MoD plans to purchase ten ASaC kits for Gillingham outlined the various functions of the The combination test team involved the Merlin fleet, and all 30 aircraft being upgraded system, including the easy-to-use Lockheed Martin, AgustaWestland, Qinetiq upgraded under MCSP will be modified to be man/machine interface and the ability to tailor and the Royal Navy, working on a ‘test once, able to carry the radar pods. the information presented to the pilots. With used by many’ basis to lower the amount of Thales UK, which already provides the ASaC temperatures inside the aircraft regularly test time required, with the navy doing the system on the Sea Kings, is offering an upgraded topping 60°C in the Gulf, the flight crew also release to service and Qinetiq providing version of its Searchwater 2000 radar. emphasised the importance of the Mk 2’s air independent advice. Matt Avison, account director ISR at the conditioning system. The mission system software has been company, told Defence Helicopter that it had Alongside the fielding of the aircraft with 824 developing on a rolling basis, with a number of identified that an upgraded version of the NAS, deliveries to 820 NAS were also due to releases of increasing maturity fielded up to the existing system, including more powerful commence in September, with the first two end of 2014. processors, was the best solution for Crowsnest. pilots converted in July. The conversion The challenge then became an engineering one programme takes eight weeks for Mk I pilots, NOT SO EARLY in integrating the system with the Merlin. with ab initio training due to start at the end Meanwhile, development of a new helicopter- It was expected that Lockheed Martin UK of 2013. based early warning radar system based on the would reveal its chosen radar offering at the DSEi Morris explained that four Merlin HM1s were Merlin Mk 2 platform is finally beginning to exhibition in London in September, but this assigned to the MCSP development and trials gain momentum. never materialised. programme with the first, ZH826, flying in The existing fleet of RN Sea King Airborne While its ‘Vigilance’ offering has previously October 2013. Surveillance and Control (ASaC) Mk 7 aircraft is been publicised as featuring a Northrop Initial testing was undertaken at Yeovil, with due to be withdrawn from service in 2016 and Grumman radar, it appears that this is no longer the subsequent evaluation of mission system under current plans there will be a six-year gap the preferred supplier. Lockheed is also evaluating performance and release to service trials taking until the proposed replacements are fully radars supplied by Elta Systems and Selex. DH
14 Defence Helicopter | September/October 2013 | Volume 32 Number 5 www.rotorhub.com
DH_SepOct13_p13-14_Merlin.indd 14 11/10/2013 10:44:44 ASIAN PROCUREMENT
Against a background of continued friction with Pyongyang and uncertainty over geopolitical shifts in the wider region, Joyce de Thouars outlines South Korea’s current and future military helicopter requirements.
outh Korea plans to increase defence Sspending in response to renewed security threats from North Korea, as well as changing regional dynamics, which highlight the urgency of enhancing its military capabilities, including the acquisition of new helicopters. The development of its indigenous industry, in KAI and Eurocopter have collaborated to develop and build the Surion under the Korean Utility particular the aerospace sector, is a major focus Helicopter programme. (Photo: Eurocopter) within the procurement process, with offset and collaboration being the seen as the way for foreign manufacturers to enter this lucrative market.
REGIONAL THREATS Seoul’s defence strategy, laid down in a 2012 white paper, is mainly planned around a possible confrontation with North Korea. Provocations in 2010 over Yeonpyeong Island and the sinking Korea of the ROKS Cheonan, which is believed to have been caused by a North Korean submarine opportunities attack, as well as renewed ballistic missile and nuclear threats, have highlighted a requirement remains under discussion. The transfer depends expansion and modernisation of the ROK Navy for maritime helicopters, which has led to the on the fulfilment of various conditions, including (ROKN) and ROKMC helicopter fleets. procurement of eight AgustaWestland AW159s the acquisition of new weapons and C4ISR However, defence spending has not in January 2013 and renewal of a longstanding systems, but due to uneven defence spending reached previously indicated levels and plan to acquire helicopters for the Republic of in the past, Seoul has not acquired all the annual budget increases have also unfolded Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC). relevant capabilities yet and still relies heavily in an uneven way. While personnel spending A longer-term threat to the South’s on US assets. In October, a US Army air cavalry has remained constant as a percentage national security comes from the rapidly squadron of 30 OH-58D Kiowa Warriors will be share, operations and maintenance have growing military capabilities of other Asian redeployed to South Korea after completion of experienced growth, with procurement and powers, in particular the modernisation of its mission in Iraq. R&D both declining. For example, development China’s People’s Liberation Army. Conflicting of an indigenous attack helicopter seems to territorial and maritime interests are at the UNEVEN SPENDING have stalled. core of disputes with Japan and China over the Korea’s Basis Defence Reform Plan 2012-30 In 2012, South Korea’s defence budget Dokdo/Takeshima Islands and Ieodo/Suyan calls for a transition to a smaller and more totalled $29 billion, of which 30% was allocated Rock respectively, further fuelling South Korea’s professional force, as well as the modernisation to force modernisation. The budget for 2013 is requirement for maritime assets. of equipment. The operation of ground forces in set at $30.5 billion and $200 million has recently The US and South Korea have agreed to lighter, modular units that are rapidly deployable been added, partly to strengthen capability on transfer wartime operational control (OPCON) by enhances the need for tactical helicopters, and the maritime border with North Korea. In July December 2015, but the feasibility of this the plan further outlines a requirement for the 2013, the Ministry of National Defense www.rotorhub.com Volume 32 Number 5 | September/October 2013 | Defence Helicopter 15 ASIAN PROCUREMENT
(MND) requested a budget of $192.6 billion a total of 245. Eurocopter has stated that Frigate Experimental project, will start in 2015 and for FY2014-2018. The MND stated that 12 Surions have been delivered so far, with a be completed in 2016. adjustment to changes in the strategic total of 24 slated for delivery by the end of 2013. In the heavy attack helicopter (AH-X) environment requires an annual increase of Deliveries are expected to continue for another programme for the ROKAA, Boeing’s Apache 7.3% in the defence budget. eight to ten years. competed against the Bell AH-1Z Cobra and TAI The Defence Acquisition Program KAI was also selected in April 2013 to develop T-129B. In April 2013, DAPA announced that Administration (DAPA), established in 2006, a variant of the Surion for the ROKMC. The Boeing had been selected to supply 36 AH-64Es. is the MND’s procurement body. DAPA’s marine corps has a long-standing requirement The contract for $900 million was awarded initial focus was on improving transparency, for its own helicopters to enhance its ability to on 23 August, and includes training, logistics efficiency and specialised skills in procurement transport troops and equipment, but budget support and one Longbow crew trainer. The activities, but today its responsibilities have constraints have caused delays to this plan. helicopters are all scheduled for delivery by 2018. been extended to managing defence offset, However, after the North’s provocations in 2010, In addition, on 12 August Lockheed Martin development of industry and the promotion the requirement became more urgent and announced it had received a $223 million of exports. the Joint Chiefs of Staff approved the ROKMC’s contract to provide South Korea with In October 2012, it was reported that Seoul request to buy helicopters for landing operations Modernized Target Acquisition Designation had approved measures to transfer key military in border islands, which are often heavily Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) procurement activities from DAPA to the MND, guarded by North Korean forces. systems for the AH-64E fleet. which was seen as a response to the various The programme, worth $713 million, involves In 2009, there was also talk of an indigenous delayed indigenous programmes in recent the design and development of an amphibious attack helicopter programme, for which KAI years. However, the proposed measure needs assault variant of the Surion. Modification of the proposed a modified KUH, but these plans to be endorsed by the National Assembly, helicopter will include an integrated flotation seem to have stalled. Han Nack Hoon, senior which rejected a similar proposal in 2011. system, an auxiliary fuel tank and specialised analyst at the Institute of Defence and Strategic radio equipment to support its mission set. Studies at Nanyang Technological University in HELICOPTER PROGRAMMES The development phase is expected to be Singapore, said: ‘Apache has been selected for DAPA has executed various procurement completed by the end of 2015 and followed now and any potential indigenous programme programmes in recent years to gradually replace by production of the helicopter. will be after that, but that is not going to be in the ageing helicopters of ROK Army Aviation DAPA further issued an RfP for maritime the near future.’ (ROKAA). ROKAA currently operates UH-1H and helicopters to enhance the ROKN’s anti- MD 500 helicopters, and about half of the latter submarine capabilities after the events of 2010. INDUSTRIAL OFFSET type will reach the end of their intended service Bids were invited from foreign manufacturers, and The South Korean government is committed to life of 30 years by 2013. in January 2013, DAPA unexpectedly announced developing an indigenous defence industry The requirement for a utility helicopter the selection of AgustaWestland’s AW159 over and enhance those technological capabilities resulted in a collaboration between Korea the Sikorsky MH-60R. The contract for eight for which it currently relies on Western Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Eurocopter to aircraft, valued at $560 million compared to manufacturers. Set as a priority by the develop and build the Surion under the Korean around $1 billion for the Seahawks, includes government, the defence industry has made Utility Helicopter (KUH) programme. In May aircrew and maintenance training as well as significant progress over the last few years 2013, the first Surion, a twin-engined aircraft initial spares and support. A spokesperson for through investments, offset arrangements and designed to support missions such as infantry AgustaWestland said that deliveries of the AW159, industrial collaboration. Although most sectors assault, SAR, tactical lift and MEDEVAC, entered which will be integrated on the ROKN’s destroyers have advanced rapidly, aerospace is still far service with the ROKAA, which plans to acquire and new-generation frigates under the Future behind, being among the least developed.
US Army Apaches sit on the ramp at Kunsan Air Base, Korea. In April 2013, Seoul announced that Boeing had been selected to supply 36 AH-64Es to the ROK Army. (Photo: US Army)-
16 Defence Helicopter | September/October 2013 | Volume 32 Number 5 www.rotorhub.com NEW TOOLS FOR NEW RULES
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ASIAN PROCUREMENT
‘There are various capabilities that the ROK Air Force would like to acquire, but it needs technology from Western contractors,’ Han said. Offset agreements are therefore key in the selection process for any procurement. According to DAPA’s offset policy guidelines, Deliveries of AW159s, which are to be based on a minimum obligation of 50% is required on the ROK Navy’s contracts worth $10 million or more. destroyers and frigates, Readiness to share technology provides will start in 2015 and be entry for foreign suppliers to the South Korean completed in 2016. helicopter market. Under the KUH programme, (Photo: AgustaWestland) KAI and Eurocopter jointly designed and built the Surion. ‘During the six-year development phase we have provided extensive technical assistance in addition to transferring dedicated technology,’ a spokesperson for Eurocopter said. The $1.3 billion development programme, in which Eurocopter has a 30% stake, involved two areas, including sharing technical knowledge based on the Super Puma family, and the measures in recent years to make FMS more maritime helicopter selection. A spokesperson development of subsystems such as the attractive for South Korea. In 2008, the FMS for AgustaWestland told Defence Helicopter: transmission, rotor mast and automatic flight status of the country was elevated to the same ‘Under the AW159 project, AgustaWestland has control system by Eurocopter. The company as that of NATO members as part of the US-ROK agreed with DAPA an extremely comprehensive also has a 20% share in the ten-year production Defence Co-operation Improvement Act. programme of offset which provides the South phase under a $4.4 billion contract. Benefiting Another incentive concerned the 2011 removal Korean armed forces and industry with new from synergies between the military and civil of 0.65% quality assurance fees that South Korea capabilities in high technology which were not helicopter markets, KAI and Eurocopter also previously had to pay on imported US materiel. previously present in South Korea, as well as offer a civil variant, forecasting a domestic Force interoperability and strong inter- deeper maintenance capabilities and various market for 400 military and civil Surions. governmental ties explain why US manufacturers manufacturing activities.’ DAPA is also seeking to increase defence are ahead of their European competitors in the exports, which totalled $2.4 billion in 2011 and South Korean market, and for a long time there FMS RESTRICTIONS are expected to reach $10 billion by 2017. KAI was a supposed lack of opportunity for non-US Han suggests that, despite offering favourable and Eurocopter initially projected exports of contractors. However, Seoul’s stated commitment terms, the FMS factor could actually be an 250-300 Surions in the next ten years through to become increasingly self-reliant poses a threat underlying contributor to Sikorsky’s loss since their KAI-EC joint venture, but the decision to to this US dominance and creates an opening the regulations prevent the South Korean also offer a civil variant in 2011 will further alternative suppliers. government from directly negotiating pricing enhance sales prospects. In February 2013, it was As illustrated above, the helicopter market and technology transfer packages with US reported that South Korea has plans to export has already proven to be fruitful for European contractors. It is further suggested by analysts the Surion to Indonesia. companies. The collaboration between KAI that the US is more reluctant to transfer and Eurocopter represents the biggest defence technology, even to its South Korean ally, US ADVANTAGE contract with a non-US manufacturer, while than European manufacturers. US manufacturers still dominate the South DAPA’s selection of the AW159 over the better- The South Korean military helicopter market Korean defence market due to the country’s performing MH-60R surprised many observers. continues to offer opportunities, and despite familiarity with their weapon systems, a force In the agency’s evaluation source selection in the US advantage of South Korea’s preference interoperability requirement and historical December 2012, the MH-60R demonstrated for interoperability, European competitors relations between Seoul and Washington, higher capability due to its engine power and can create openings by offering better offset including regular joint military exercises. armament options, enabling it to simultaneously agreements and pricing. AgustaWestland ‘South Korea relies heavily on the US, and also carry out anti-submarine and anti-ship missions. is pursuing a number of contracts in the a potential confrontation with North Korea Despite these results, DAPA opted for the AW159 government and military markets alongside favours interoperability of US and South explaining that proposals were evaluated against potential further orders for the AW159. The Korean forces,’ Han explained. four criteria – expense, capability, operational AgustaWestland spokesperson revealed: ‘On Around two-thirds of military acquisitions suitability and contract terms. the military side there is a Light Armed from the US are executed through the FMS The decision shows that technology transfer Helicopter requirement, for which we are channel. The US has introduced various and pricing turned out to be decisive in the proposing the AW169.’ DH www.rotorhub.com Volume 32 Number 5 | September/October 2013 | Defence Helicopter 19 SURVIVABILITY
ntegrated defensive aids suites (DAS) have short-wave IR and UV emissions, while at multiple sensors, presenting them to the Igone a long way towards countering the projectiles carry detectable electric fields, pilot on a visual display with an audio alert. The threat from high-end weapons with guidance although exploiting the latter with heliborne effort began in late 2007 and had completed systems that can be disrupted. Small arms sensors is problematic because of the static development and testing by the late 2009. This and RPGs lack such capabilities, but have charge that the main rotor generates. led to the demonstration of a fully integrated signatures that sensor systems can exploit, Acoustic gunfire location systems represent system in theatre during 2011. providing the crew with threat direction, the most mature technology and have been Key objectives of the first phase were to classification and range information. Such widely deployed in ground-based applications. demonstrate accurate localisation of multiple hostile fire indication (HFI) and gunfire location They have taken longer to adapt to helicopters shooters firing bursts to show that fire from technologies are a major focus of R&D work because of the noisy environment around the aircraft would not confuse the system and on improving survivability. the aircraft, compounded by the firing of validate prototype sensors and evaluate the Gunfire signatures broadly divide into the its weapons. display. Over seven flights and 18 months at acoustic and the electromagnetic. In the former Fort Rucker, more than 3,000 shots were fired realm are the muzzle report and, for supersonic STAYING ALERT in 465 test events. projectiles, the shockwave. Pickings are richer in The US Army has fielded DARPA’s Helicopter Results yielded a probability of more than the electromagnetic spectrum because muzzle Alert and Threat Termination – Acoustic 97% that the system would warn of burst fire flashes generate visible, long- medium- and (HALTT-A) on Black Hawks and other at forward speeds of between 10 and 150kt, helicopters in Afghanistan. The systems is with rounds coming no closer than 90m to the based on Raytheon BBN Technologies’ aircraft, according to DARPA. This probability ground-based Boomerang. rose to 100% in the hover for bursts with Using as few as five microphones, HALTT-A a closest point of approach (CPA) of less locates gunfire from shockwave arrival times than 100m. On the defensive
From mature acoustic gunfire location systems to next-generation situational awareness initiatives, defensive aids suites are vital in ensuring airborne safety within hostile environments. Peter Donaldson surveys the market.
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TRUE OR FALSE? user evaluation in Afghanistan. This rapid A low false alarm rate is as important to crew insertion effort fully integrated Phase 1 confidence as a high probability of detection. sensors across four systems. These provided DARPA figures show that the phase 1 HALTT-A digital data to an aggregation and processing tests generated just three false alarms in around unit, which combined it with other information ‘A low false alarm rate nine hours of testing, which happened with the from temperature sensors, a radar altimeter is as important to crew aircraft in translational lift. and a GPS/INS, feeding warnings to the confidence as a high Significantly, firing the onboard machine pilot’s headset. gun triggered no false alarms in more than 400 Phase 2 work focused on revising the probability of detection.’ rounds. Recognition of the round calibre was detection algorithms to improve performance also impressive, with 90% of declarations correct in the hover, flush mounting of the sensors in forward flight and over 70% in the hover. and reducing their number. It also included Angular location accuracy was reported as demonstrations on other platforms, including +/-15° in forward flight and +/-30° in the hover. the special operations MH-47 and MH-6 Little carry-on package. The system consists of: two The Office of the Secretary of Defense Bird and also the Maverick, an unmanned acoustic sensor arrays; embedded electronics ordered installations on UH-60Ls for early Robinson R22. Using the latter enabled shooting with protection from wind and rain; a data for a miss distance of less than 5m instead of interface and acquisition module; a laptop for more than 30m. processing and display; and a set of power and Testing of the MH-47 installation showed interface cables. Supplied with AeroShotGuard improvements in probability of detection both processing software, the system is delivered in in forward flight and in the hover. However, reusable shockproof containers. shooter localisation accuracy in terms of angle Metravib says that PILARw detects and remained the same at +/-15° in forward flight localises supersonic rounds from 5.45 to 20mm and +/-30° in the hover, according to DARPA, in calibre and detects RPGs, further claiming a possibly indicating a fundamental limitation of response time of less than two seconds between the technology. detecting a shot and displaying its origin. It offers two levels of localisation, a wide-azimuth 180° ACOUSTIC APPROACH sector if the system does not detect a muzzle French company Metravib has adapted its well- report, and +/-15° in azimuth and elevation plus known PILARw acoustic gunfire location system range resolution of +/-20% if it does. The system for helicopter applications in what seems to be a weighs about 7.4kg.
The RNLAF has conducted a series of trials with a prototype Microflown AVISA acoustic gunshot detection system installed on a Cougar Mk 2. (Photo: RNLAF)
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Seeking greater accuracy, the Royal Netherlands Air Force has been conducting live fire tests of a Microflown AVISA Acoustic Vector Sensor (AVS) on a Eurocopter Cougar. The Dutch defence ministry reported in June that it had tested it against assault rifle and heavy machine gun fire. AVS is an acoustic system, but instead of conventional sound pressure microphones, it uses vector sensors that directly measure acoustic particle velocity – the speed and direction of air particles pushed by the sound waves – in 3D at a single node. It determines the direction of arrival of a sound ‘instantly from the relative amplitudes of the three orthogonal components and for the entire acoustic bandwidth’, according to the company, production award, VP and general manager of six-sensor ELIX-IR system. Using single-colour which also claims an angular accuracy of ATK Defense Electronic Systems Bill Kasting said infrared technology, ELIX-IR is designed enhance better than 2° against small arms fire. that the AAR-47 is installed on all USN and USMC survivability against IR-, laser- and radar-guided helicopters and transport aircraft operating in weapons as well as RPGs and guns of many ELECTROMAGNETIC ALTERNATIVES combat, and continues to save aircrew and calibres, the company claiming an ‘ultra-low’ false ATK says that its AN/AAR-47 is the only EW aircraft from attack. alarm rate and declaration of all threat types. system in use that integrates missile, laser and ‘The AAR-47 continues to provide the In marketing ELIX-IR as an affordable and hostile fire warning capabilities into a single warfighter with a reliable, battle-proven, low-cost, more capable replacement for UV missile system. It uses UV sensors to detect missile, missile and laser warning capability,’ explained approach warning systems, Thales describes gunfire and RPG signatures, processing sensor Keith Taylor, deputy programme manager at it as a multi-function system that provides data with algorithms to distinguish genuine Naval Air Systems Command’s PMA-272 Aircraft concurrent missile approach warning and HFI threats from false alarms and one type of Survivability Equipment branch. along with situational awareness IR imaging. threat from another. ‘The addition of HFI to the AAR-47 underscores The single-colour IR sensors help keep costs ATK announced in May 2011 that the USN our commitment to deliver improved capabilities down, says the company, while standard had approved the HFI upgrade to the system that protect US and allied military aircrews flying interfaces, including 1553B, Ethernet and RS-422, for fleet introduction, followed by a $48 million in harm’s way,’ added Kasting. ease integration into all DAS installations, and production contract award announced in Thales has also integrated HFI capability into a the system can also be connected directly to December 2012. Commenting on the multi-threat capable DAS in the form of its four-to- countermeasures effectors. ELIX-IR also has a software-driven upgrade path. Acoustic gunfire location systems have Raytheon’s Advanced Distributed Aperture taken longer to adapt to helicopters System (ADAS) includes HFI along with IR search because of the noisy environment around and track and 360° spherical situational the aircraft. (Photo: US Army) awareness capabilities in a system designed to improve low-level flight safety in degraded visual environments.
PUSHING PROGRESS In June 2011, US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) initiated an effort to find new HFI technologies, having declared itself less than satisfied with the ‘state of the art’ at the time. ‘Although numerous efforts have been made to take ground hostile fire detection systems and integrate them on aircraft, no technology has been able to decrease the weight of the ground systems and adapt a sensor to account for a helicopter’s unique operating environment,’ stated the organisation. ‘Helicopters generate
22 Defence Helicopter | September/October 2013 | Volume 32 Number 5 www.rotorhub.com
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Keen to avoid adding a standalone system to plumes. This is not a problem for cooled MWIR already complex aircraft, SOCOM stipulated that detectors, but the cooling system adds weight, any new sensors should integrate either into the cost and complexity. AVR-2B laser warning system or into the wider Conventional uncooled IR detectors such as Advanced Aircraft Survivability Equipment microbolometers, which typically work through (AASE) suit, of which the AVR-2B is a part. changes in the electrical resistance of vanadium SOCOM wants a system able to detect hostile oxide (VOx), are simpler, cheaper and lighter, but fire out to 1.8km, with a range accuracy of +/- respond relatively slowly. 50m and 360° spherical coverage, if possible. The ‘It is difficult to obtain high-speed videos angular accuracy requirement is +/-3° and the of scenes and muzzle flashes simultaneously false alarm rate requirement less than one per because the optimisation for scenes is different The challenge for developers is designing flight hour. Sensors must be no bigger than from the optimisation for muzzle flashes,’ one a DAS that integrates missile, laser and 15x15cm, and the whole HFI system must engineer with experience in advanced MWIR hostile fire warning capabilities into a weigh less than 22.5kg for integration into the systems told DH on condition of anonymity. ‘For single system (Photo: USN) MH-47, MH-60 and MH-6. example, high-quality cooled cameras usually use short integration time which may miss the static electricity that interferes with current INTEGRATION ISSUES muzzle flash if the flash occurs outside of the ground hostile fire sensors. Sensors must HFI sensors must work in a portion of the integration period. This may seem obvious, consider extreme vibration and environmental spectrum in which the available signal is large but you would be surprised how many conditions, while maintaining a small drag profile. and the background clutter is small, which “experts” miss this.’ For SOF-specific operations on rotary-wing makes midwave IR (MWIR) attractive. However, Hawaii-based Oceanit also received a SOCOM aircraft, no technology exists that meets the they must also operate at high speeds and SBIR award in 2011 to adapt its Fast as Light current specialised need.’ resolutions to capture gun flashes and rocket Assessment of Snipers and Hostile Fire
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(FLASH) technology for use in a helicopter HFI and develop video muzzle flash detection, system. Based on what it describes as disruptive representation and tracking algorithms IR focal plane array technology, FLASH can augmented with time-correlated acoustic see the gunshot happen and fingerprint the signals, wrote Wavefront’s principal investigator weapon as the bullet leaves the barrel, says Jie Yao in the abstract describing the the company. planned work. Other key claims include a range of more Optimisation of the image recognition than 1km, the ability to detect and fingerprint algorithm, including coordination with acoustic all weapon types from small arms to rockets signals, is the focus of the second phase work and missiles in a few hundredths of a second, a in which machine learning techniques will also Raytheon’s ADAS includes HFI along with IR detection rate greater than 99% coupled with a be implemented. search and track and 360° spherical situational false alarm rate of less than 0.1% and the ability awareness capabilities. (Photo: Raytheon) ‘During Phase III, we will manufacture and to process multiple simultaneous events. market the NVPCIC imager and HFI system to major defence contractors to be incorporated SHORT-WAVE IR into military systems as well as for our In April, Solid State Scientific won a phase 2 commercial medical device products,’ award to develop and deliver a shortwave continued Yao. IR (SWIR) HFI sensor based on the conceptual The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) work it carried out in 2011 under a phase 1 is researching HFI as part of a broader threat award on the design of a single-board sensor warning and situational awareness effort known small enough to be integrated into the AVR-2B. An acoustic sensor head from the Microflown as Omni-Sentinel. AFRL awarded engineering Avisa gunshot detector. (Photo: Microflown) Integration would require the addition of a specialists MacAulay-Brown (MacB) a $24 million fourth window to the AVR-2B head. relying on the sensors’ high performance to contract last September to research EO sense Describing the system in the abstract for compensate for the attenuation of the muzzle and avoid, space situational awareness and the award, principal investigator Dr Richard flash signal. missile warning (MW) along with HFI, the J Nelson said that the system would classify The second adds a visible channel to cancel company confirmed to DH. hostile fire sources by type, with high probability out sun glints and interference from other of detection and low false alarm rates. He said sources such as car headlights, road signs and EFFECTIVE RESEARCH that coverage would be comparable to that of streetlights. Elta is also working to combine Under the six-year contract, MacB is tasked the AVR-2B, with angular resolution in azimuth these sensors with radar to add accurate threat with systems analysis of current and future and elevation to about 1°. ‘This sensor will offer range and velocity information. implementations of IR, visible spectrum and true HFI capability to the helicopter air crew,’ UV MW and HFI sensors, with the aim of he explained. ACOUSTIC/OPTICAL OPTION making research activities as effective as Israel’s IAI Elta Systems, meanwhile, is also Wavefront is developing a dual-sensor possible. The company will also use high- working on SWIR HFI technology, and has acoustic/optical HFI technology combining level programming languages to support the proposed a system using uncooled sensors that a high-sensitivity microphone with a novel development of models and simulations of operate in the 1-1.7-micron wavelength band. nano-vertex photon counting integrated circuit sensor implementations. As well as boosting Chief technology officer Gil Tidhar, in a paper (NVPCIC) imager under a 2012/13 SBIR contract. the efficiency of current systems, the data published by SPIE in May, wrote that such ‘During phase 1, we will optimise the NVPCIC collected is also intended to feed into the sensors are ‘very effective at detecting the black detector pixels with night vision sensitivity for design of new sensors. body radiance emitted by a muzzle flash (with high-resolution, high-speed optical imaging, ‘AFRL plays a critical role in the typical effective temperatures in the range of discovery, development and integration 1,000-2,000°K)’. of warfighting technologies to ensure ‘The short wavelength and very high speed unequalled reconnaissance, surveillance, of SWIR sensor focal plane arrays allow for high precision engagement and EW capabilities spatial resolution and high specificity in isolating for the nation’s air and space forces,’ said Tim and detecting very fast transient events of ‘It is difficult to obtain Lawrence, senior VP and general manager the muzzle flash, which are typically shorter high-speed videos of of MacB’s Advanced Technology Group. than 1ms.’ scenes and muzzle flashes ‘We are proud to continue to support To minimise the false alarm rate, Tidhar the Omni-Sentinel programme, which is proposed two solutions. The first was to use a simultaneously.’ instrumental in providing affordable missile single-band SWIR sensor able to exploit specific and hostile fire warning capabilities to retain features of SWIR light propagation to attenuate our warfighting dominance across the entire echoes and interference from reflected sunlight, electromagnetic spectrum.’ DH
24 Defence Helicopter | September/October 2013 | Volume 32 Number 5 www.rotorhub.com
DH_SepOct13_p20-24_Fire_Detectors.indd 24 11/10/2013 10:48:17 When you’ve got less than a second. And no second chance.
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DH_SepOct13_p25.indd 25 11/10/2013 10:49:07 AIRCRAFT SUPPORT groundPreparing the Providing sufficient infrastructure for aircraft maintenance and repair in-theatre is vital for extended operations. Jonathan Tringham talks to the warfighters tasked with keeping US combat helicopters in the air.
aintaining combat helicopters ‘Basically what we do is provide soldiers with rectifying capability gaps, as well as introducing Min-theatre requires multiple teams of the equipment they require to conduct aviation and implementing new technologies as they highly trained specialists using a combination maintenance at locations all over the world in become available. of generic army aircraft tools alongside order to repair, recover and overall to facilitate He said: ‘From a management perspective, sophisticated platform-specific equipment. aviation fleet operational readiness that supports [I’m responsible for:] initiating research and The teams work to coordinated rotational the missions of army aviation, on a broad development projects; technology assessments life cycles, balancing maintenance and spectrum of operations,’ he said. to see if the current technology is actually deployment requirements of both the aircraft helping the crews; conducting market research and the equipment used to support them. CENTRE POINT to find out what’s available; bringing in Speaking to Defence Helicopter, US Army The US Army’s common AGSE and crew solicitations on products; attaching those Product Manager Aviation Ground Support are coordinated from a centralised project products to make sure they meet our Equipment (PM AGSE) Lt Col Steven Ansley management office. From here, Ansley executes requirements; and then finally procuring explained how his command ensured the the total life-cycle management of the entire and then fielding those products.’ service’s attack helicopters achieved maximum AGSE equipment itinerary. In addition to During Operation Enduring Freedom, readiness levels throughout the duration of their maintaining optimal availability of existing PM AGSE deployed a permanent set of crucial operational deployment. equipment, he is responsible for identifying and AGSE systems, referred to as theatre-provided equipment (TPE), to support aviation units An Apache maintenance test pilot explains the in Afghanistan. aircraft’s weapons systems to a soldier during ‘There are some pieces of equipment an air-ground integration meeting. within the portfolio that are pretty critical [to maintaining rotary assets],’ continued Ansley. ‘There are units that we have pre-positioned in Afghanistan so that we don’t have to ship them back and forth – one of the reasons for this is cost savings, another is equipment attrition.’
ESSENTIAL TOOLS This critical set of AGSE TPE includes the Standard Aircraft Towing system (SATS), Aircraft Ground Power Units (AGPUs), Generic Aircraft Nitrogen Generators (GANGs), Aviation Unit Maintenance Shop Sets and Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Shop Sets (AVIM SS). ‘The GANGs are key to aviation operations,’ added Ansley. ‘Nitrogen is an inert gas, so we
26 Defence Helicopter | September/October 2013 | Volume 32 Number 5 www.rotorhub.com
DH_SepOct13_p26-30_Ground_Support.indd 26 11/10/2013 13:43:46 AIRCRAFT SUPPORT Quality made in Germany THE PRECISE ELECTRICAL MOVER FOR ALL MILITARY HELICOPTERS
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• Fully automatic engagement of the put it in things like accumulators on main rotor An avionics mechanic finishes his write-up after nose wheel in seconds blades and certain struts, as well as the tyres on completing unscheduled maintenance on a due to wireless remote UH-60 in Afghanistan. (All photos: US Army) • Up to a week oper- the aircraft. It’s also a fire safety feature, as it won’t ating time before encourage an explosion should one occur.’ reloading The SATS is a vehicle used for pushing or • Circumferential vis- ibility due to remote towing all US Army rotary- and fixed-wing COMMON APPROACH control aircraft, and has been in use with the service’s According to Ansley, AGSE commonality is • One device for all aviation units since 2010; the AVIM SS is made of fundamental importance, allowing army helicopters and aircraft up of ten Class 7 shop sets in one-sided maintenance units to achieve maximum use of expandable ISO shelters designed to provide equipment across the range of rotary platforms HELIMO easily transportable and modular maintenance they support. for all skidded Helicopters capabilities to support crews; and the ubiquitous ‘The idea is, for the AH-64D, CH-47, [Kiowa with a gross weight up to AGPU is a gas turbine engine-driven, wheel- Warrior] and UH-60, and in some cases even our 6 t (13,227 lbs) mounted, self-propelled, AC/DC electrical unmanned aerial systems, to make sure that I hydraulic and pneumatic power source that interface with all those platforms, and make sure supports all rotary-wing aircraft. that [the equipment] I am getting will meet all ‘There was an increased rate of wear [to the of their individual requirements,’ he said. AGSE] equipment during Afghanistan,’ noted The common AGSE equipment used • One device for all helicopter brands and types Ansley. ‘At the same time as we communicate across all of the helicopter platforms includes • No problems with mounted cameras, radar, with our users and combat developers on what maintenance stands, fixed and mobile lifting lights etc. new modernisations or capability gaps they devices, trailers, tugs, nitrogen generators, • Engagement of the helicopters skids in seconds • Up to a week of operating time have or they see, we also have to maintain or mobile electrical generation and pneumatic • Very flexible loading helicopters from outward / sustain the equipment that’s already out there.’ systems, metal fabrication devices, various inward respectively from the front / from the back After a predetermined period of time aviation shop sets, aircraft and engine in-theatre, AGSE assets are scheduled to reset. cleaning equipment and common tooling Visit us in Dubai: Often this might involve a partial repair or a or test equipment. November 17-21 2013 replacement component, but it can mean In addition to common AGSE, each combat German Pavillon complete overhaul of equipment. Maintenance helicopter requires a set of tools unique to it. crews will stagger the MRO cycles of parts, Ansley described the process whereby aviation refurbishing the worst affected first. maintenance technicians graduated to work ‘So by the end of 180 days after re-deploying, on specific helicopter platforms over time. ‘Initially when an aviation maintainer enlisted we have all the equipment reset,’ continued Mototok International GmbH Mototok America LLC Ansley. ‘This is the standard rotational time frame soldier goes to their first individual training, they Hohenzollernstr. 47 3028 Peacekeeper Way of operational deployment for our ground learn how to use the tools that we have for each D-47799 Krefeld / Germany McClellan, CA 95652 / USA Phone: +49-2151-65083-82 Phone: +1-916-580-4977 support systems. However, it is slightly longer area, whether they want to go into electrical Fax: +49-2151-624-673 Fax: +1-916-641-8969 for the actual aircraft.’ repair, armament repair or be a general [email protected] · www.mototok.com
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mechanic,’ he said. ‘There are specific tool boxes for each of those specialities. [The soldier will] know right off the bat if they’re going to be a Black Hawk repair person or an Apache repair person, so they will perform the specific tasks on those aircraft using our tools. ‘Each aircraft has a technical manual that describes the frequency of certain repairs or maintenance procedures, and how they should be performed, so that’s essentially how we know what tools they will need. [The manuals] tell you what needs to be done, and what the authorised Soldiers prepare an AH-64D for a maintenance tools are that are needed to complete a test flight after completing a track and balance particular maintenance task. From there, adjustment on the rotor blades. we develop or make sure the crews have what they need to complete the task.’ because of the Apache’s unique capabilities, the test set, used to test and troubleshoot an AH-64 platform also requires various pieces of aircraft’s Hellfire Modular Missile System.’ DAILY RELIANCE peculiar ground support equipment [PGSE],’ Sheppard explained that due to the extreme Lt Col Tal Sheppard, PM for Apache Longbow, he said. ‘Some PGSE is critical to the aircraft’s high-heat environments the Apache operates explained the specific maintenance mission, for example, the Digital Captive within, a robust environmental control system requirements of the AH-64D to DH. Boresight Harmonization Kit, which provides (ECS) was required to provide cooling for the ‘The AH-64 maintainers rely on numerous boresight for the wing stores, gun subsystem crew and avionics. This necessitated the pieces of common AGSE on a daily basis, [but] and sight systems, and the Hellfire missile system acquisition of an ECS servicing cart, used to
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evacuate and recharge the aircraft ECS with ‘But for some of the systems we have ON SCHEDULE R134 refrigerant easily and accurately. engineering access from the field to the home The AH-64D scheduled maintenance cycles ‘Other commonly used pieces of PGSE are office in Mesa or Philadelphia, so if we need extra consist of pre- and post-flight 25-hour/14-day various slings and lifting devices specifically help from the liaison engineers or the cog inspection preventive maintenance services designed to remove and install uniquely engineers then we have access to that. We have (PMS). These are arranged into 25-, 50- and configured AH-64 components,’ noted a lot of reachback if we need it. 125-hour scheduled inspections, in addition Sheppard. ‘So we can perform most tasks in the field, to 250- and 500-hour phase inspections. especially with the electronic tech manuals that Maintenance crews also implement special IN THE FIELD we [and the military] have. The military does a lot inspections induced by abnormal conditions, The Apache maintenance crew is supported of phase maintenance in-theatre, so there’s a such as hard landings, rotor overspeeds and in-theatre by field service representatives certain amount of hours for each rotation.’ blade strikes as needed. (FSRs) from Boeing tasked with facilitating the resupply of critical parts and providing technical engineering support. According to James Aderholdt, AH-64 contract FSR (CFSR) at the company, the technical support provided by the OEM comes in the form of two field engineers on fixed-term contracts. ‘One will deal with the supply of parts and equipment replacement, and the other with technical issues,’ he told DH. ‘They are usually based in location with the unit for one year. ‘We’re not there working on aircraft turning wrenches, we’re just providing support to the army unit or the FMS customer that’s in-theatre. We’re technical advisors – we provide the training. ‘Training is ongoing because the technology is always changing. And we’re constantly having to keep up with new software, new hardware versions, and we have to keep the soldiers up to speed on new methods and the new modifications that are constantly coming out for the aircraft, so the majority of our training occurs in that area. Plus, we also provide the normal engineering-type training for troubleshooting and repairs.’ Aderholdt explained that, with a few exceptions, the equipment used to support the aircraft is largely government-furnished. ‘The equipment we supply includes diagnostic equipment, laptops, software loading stations, and all the gear is extremely portable,’ he continued. ‘We get technical information through our laptops, for example blueprints of mechanical or airframe structures.’ The Apache field engineers cover all areas of the aircraft, including the airframe, structures, advice, repairs, fire control and weapon systems, electrical, avionics and data management. ‘We can fix anything in the field besides heavy structural [damage], in which case we need to bring it back to the depot,’ noted Aderholdt.
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According to Hannah, the OH-58Ds are maintained in a 600-hour progressive phased maintenance schedule, with 15 mandatory inspection cycles. ‘Each of the 15 inspection cycles includes specific procedures that must be performed to ensure the KW meets all availability and reliability requirements to maximise the KW’s operational readiness rate,’ he noted. ‘Certain cycles have unique inspection tasks, while certain inspection tasks are repeated at regular intervals across the A mechanic works on the engine 15 cycles.’ compartment of an AH-64 as part of a 500-hour maintenance inspection. MAINTENANCE HIERARCHY Each airframe is supported within a common Like the Apache, the H-60 Black Hawk utilises transmission alignment sets; and engine fuel operational hierarchy that regulates the several pieces of AGSE common to other army nozzle fixtures. escalation of maintenance tasks, from basic aviation aircraft, however there are numerous He told DH that in-theatre support in-field repairs through to major structural pieces of PGSE that are required by mission sets provided by platform OEMs was dependant damage. Ansley described the US Army’s overall unique to the platform. on the warfighter’s needs – training, avionics organisational structure for maintaining the Col Thomas Todd, PM for utility helicopters, diagnostics and trouble-shooting could all be various aircraft deployed on operations. described the Black Hawk’s tool shed: ‘The provided under a CFSR contract with them, ‘In each battalion you will normally PGSE include items like: display/avionics/ which would dictate the type of support the have three flight companies that own the survivability suite/flight control system test sets; OEMs provide in-theatre. aircraft and do the flight missions, and an internal and external extended-range fuel ‘CFSRs act as the technical interface additional fourth… which is the maintenance system support equipment; internal and liaison on airframe and airframe subsystems, company,’ he said. ‘So there’s a maintenance external hoist support equipment; medical providing maintenance and technical advice company in each of those battalions, and support equipment; armament support to the units and reaching back to the OEM then there’s a whole maintenance battalion for equipment; gearbox and engine stands; airframe main office for additional support or emerging the entire brigade, and those are my main alignment fixtures; environmental system technical support when needed,’ explained customers.’ support equipment; onboard oxygen Hannah. The battalion maintenance crews have generating support equipment; software ‘It is important to note that although a CFSR GANGs and tow vehicles, as well as large-scale loading support equipment; aircraft blade may have access to new data from the OEM, the shop tool sets, and can perform higher levels folding and transport support equipment; flight CFSR will only advise and/or follow established of maintenance than an individual technician control rig equipment; and numerous special army procedures. The CFSR may also perform working on a Black Hawk or Apache. The crew tools required to support specific aircraft testing or diagnostics using OEM-provided test chief is the primary maintainer, flies on the component installations and removals.’ equipment that is either purchased outright by aircraft and is responsible for the maintenance He explained that in-theatre pre- and post- the army or has been provided for use under the of that aircraft. flight inspections of the Black Hawk are driven CFSR contract.’ Ansley added: ‘Certain problems are not by the execution of various maintenance events fixable at the user level, and get referred to completed during scheduled maintenance the next higher level of maintenance in the intervals, including: preventative maintenance battalion, known as the “Delta company”. If daily; PMS – 40 hour; preventative maintenance the issue cannot be resolved by Delta company, inspection (PMI) 1 – 360 hour; and PMI 2 – 720 it gets sent to the aviation support battalion’s hour. Various special inspections occur as a result aviation intermediate maintenance unit. After of operational use. those two levels of maintenance, the aircraft would probably need to go to SUPPORTING WARRIORS the depot. According to Lt Col Matt Hannah, PM for Kiowa ‘Other than unexpected damage to the Warrior (KW), there are approximately 300 AGSE aircraft, almost everything is designed so that it and 100 PGSE items used by ground teams to can be fixed in a field environment, and that’s why we build all our equipment the way we do, maintain the Bell OH-58D, and equipment The Standard Aircraft Towing System is used unique to the platform included: flight control for repositioning US Army rotary-wing aircraft, so that it can deploy and operate in that field rigging tools; engine lifting brackets; engine to as well as ground support equipment. environment.’ DH
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INTEGRATED SYSTEMS Sensing change STRIKE WITH GREATER PRECISION THAN EVER BEFORE hen the Target Acquisition and Night vision systems and improved day sensors have WDesignation Sight/Pilot’s Night Vision been a real game-changer for both domestic and Sensor (TADS/PNVS) entered service in 1984, it ushered in a new era of integrated EO international helicopter operations. Peter Donaldson sensor systems for military helicopters, and it considers their evolution in US service. has been hugely influential on all subsequent developments in this field. By 2005, when the modernised version known as M-TADS/PNVS was fielded, the core sensor technology of the original was in urgent need of more performance and reliability. The new system was delivered both with a new generation of high-resolution, high- The first OH-58F, featuring the performance thermal imagers from Lockheed Raytheon-developed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control division Common Sensor and a raft of other enhancements. The new Payload, made its longwave (8-14 microns) scanned thermal maiden flight in April. imagers continue to provide target detection, (Photo: US Army) recognition and identification at long stand-off ranges and penetrate battlefield obscurants to The Innovation Behind L-3 WESCAM’s Turrets and Sensors Makes It Possible. enhance the aircrew’s situational awareness and their ability to support comrades and allies MX-25D • NEW – MXTM-25D: Redefining the industry standard with best-in-class EO/IR imaging on the ground. MX-20D resolution and range performance • High-Definition EO/IR and Image Fusion: Uncover more detail by fusing HD EO and IR images into one image stream • Short-Wave IR: Implement during passive low-light or nighttime imaging missions to achieve better haze penetration and target contrast • Laser Spot Tracker: Acquire and track a laser designator spot originating from ground forces or allied aircraft • Visible Laser Designator: Directly images the laser designator spot to provide MX-15D MX-10D conclusive assurance that designation is on target
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WESCAM L-3com.com 32 Defence Helicopter | September/October 2013 | Volume 32 Number 5 www.rotorhub.com
DH_SepOct13_p32-35_Sensors.indd 32 11/10/2013 10:56:00 WESCAM-Shephards Def Heli-September-2013_Layout 1 13-08-28 2:14 PM Page 1
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MX-25D • NEW – MXTM-25D: Redefining the industry standard with best-in-class EO/IR imaging MX-20D resolution and range performance • High-Definition EO/IR and Image Fusion: Uncover more detail by fusing HD EO and IR images into one image stream • Short-Wave IR: Implement during passive low-light or nighttime imaging missions to achieve better haze penetration and target contrast • Laser Spot Tracker: Acquire and track a laser designator spot originating from ground forces or allied aircraft • Visible Laser Designator: Directly images the laser designator spot to provide MX-15D MX-10D conclusive assurance that designation is on target
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DH_SepOct13_p32-35_Sensors.indd 33 11/10/2013 10:56:01 INTEGRATED SYSTEMS
US Army product manager for Apache sensors. ‘The US Army looks forward to a lasting relationship with the Lockheed Martin and Selex team – we anticipate continued success as we quickly ramp up to our planned production rate and begin fielding.’ The M-DSA programme consists of a series of phased upgrades, of which the new laser system is the first and is intended both to improve performance and mitigate component obsolescence issues, says the company. Based on modern diode-pumped lasers that replace maintenance-intensive 1970s/80s technology, it is expected to reduce operational and maintenance costs by up to 50% – compared with the old system – over its life cycle. ‘This milestone represents a highly successful team effort that provides significant benefit to the Apache pilot through system reliability, maintainability and performance,’ said Matt Fielding the M-TADS/ PNVS sensor suite has been Hoffman, director of M-TADS/PNVS programmes described as a ‘game-changer’ at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. in terms of the capabilities of the ‘With more than 685 modernised LRFD kits on AH-64. (Photo: US Army) contract, this milestone signifies Lockheed Martin’s ability to deliver on its commitment GIVING 150% and engineering enhancements, combined with to supporting the soldier.’ With more than 1,200 delivered to the US Army the dedication of army aircrews and maintainers, Enabling Apache crews to get the full benefit and 12 international customers, Lockheed have ensured outstanding M-TADS/PNVS of the latest TV cameras is the focus of the Martin claims that M-TADS/PNVS enhances reliability and maintainability performance.’ second phase of M-DSA, in which the cockpit system performance and reliability by more will be fitted with colour displays. It might seem than 150%, reduces the number of maintenance DAY OF DELIVERY surprising that it has taken so long to fit this actions by more than 60% and will save the US While the night side of the Apache’s EO took key aircraft with such functionality. However, Army more than $1 billion over its 40-year precedence in the upgrade schedule, the day producing colour displays that can also exploit service life. On 8 August, the manufacturer and side was not forgotten. On 6 June, Lockheed the full performance of the high-resolution the army celebrated the remarkable Martin announced delivery of the first thermal imagers, which operate in achievement of one million flight hours on Modernised Day Sensor Assembly (M-DSA) monochrome, has proven difficult. M-TADS/PNVS – and it continues to evolve. laser rangefinder/designator (LRFD) for the Now that the display technology has ‘This system has been touted as a “game- AH-64D/E, which the company has developed caught up, crews can benefit from the greater changer” for our aviators and soldiers on the in cooperation with Selex ES. situational awareness that the colour displays ground,’ said Col Jeff Hager, US Army project ‘The new laser is the first component to be bring and can communicate more effectively manager for Apache. Addressing guests fielded in the M-DSA,’ said Lt Col Steve Van Riper, with troops on the ground, literally adding assembled at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire colour to their descriptions of targets and Control’s facilities in Orlando, Florida, he noted: their surroundings. ‘It has provided the army with unprecedented situational awareness and targeting ability that OH-58 UPDATE has helped to save the lives of US soldiers and Adding better sensors is also a crucial element our allies.’ ‘The US Army has celebrated of the US Army’s Cockpit and Sensor Upgrade ‘This achievement is a testament to the US the remarkable achievement Program (CASUP) for the Kiowa Warrior, which Army’s and Lockheed Martin’s commitment to of one million flight hours flew with its new OH-58F designation for the first keeping M-TADS/PNVS mission-ready in support time in April. Famously outlasting major efforts of warfighters’ critical combat and training on M-TADS/PNVS.’ to replace it, including the RAH-66 Comanche requirements,’ said Dave Belvin, director of and the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter Apache programmes at Lockheed Martin (ARH) programmes, the Kiowa Warrior is Missiles and Fire Control. ‘Years of innovation now the subject of an effort to capitalise on
34 Defence Helicopter | September/October 2013 | Volume 32 Number 5 www.rotorhub.com
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technologies and systems already fielded on other aircraft to boost its performance while minimising cost and risk. Applying this philosophy, Bell Helicopter and the army have worked together – with the latter as systems integrator – to add a new EO/IR sensor turret mounted under the aircraft’s nose instead of on top of its rotor mast; better cockpit control hardware and software to improve situational awareness; three full-colour MFDs; a digital intercom; upgraded ASE; a dual- redundant FADEC; and a redesigned wiring harness. The OH-58F will also be able to make the most of the latest Hellfire missile variants. The new EO sensor is the same Raytheon AN/ AAS-53 Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS) German Plain during the Cold War, and it has that was intended to equip the cancelled ARH, proven restrictive when operating at higher and is a prime application of the CASUP risk- altitudes against enemies at closer range, reduction philosophy. Sensors from the MTS frequently running into the lower elevation family equip a broad variety of US military limits when trying to track targets, particularly aircraft, including C-130s, MH-60s and Reaper in urban environments. armed UAVs. The US Army is also improving sensor According to Raytheon, MTS turrets have capabilities on its medevac aircraft. In mid-May, been integrated on more than 16 platforms, the service awarded FLIR Systems an $81 million representing all branches of the US military and contract for the Medevac Mission Sensor (MMS) the Department of Homeland Security, plus variant of the company’s 23cm Talon multi- special mission aircraft for NASA, US special sensor gimbal for current medevac Black Hawk The Lockheed Martin AN/AAQ-30 Target forces and international coalition fleets. fleets and new-build aircraft. Deliveries under Sight System (above) has been integrated a $19 million initial order are scheduled to be with the USMC’s AH-1Z Viper (top). COMMON CONNECTION completed next year. (Photos: USMC/Lockheed Martin) The MTS variant for the OH-58F is the Common The army describes MMS as a ‘patient Sensor Payload, which shares much with the location sensor’ and says that it is critical to the Talons will be installed on USCG Sikorsky AN/DAS-2 on the army’s Extended Range Multi- continuous ability to conduct operations by H-60s and Eurocopter H-65s under a $23 million Purpose unmanned aerial system; the AN/AAS- night and in adverse weather. contract awarded in May. These sensors will be in 52 and AN/DAS-1 on the USAF’s Predator and ‘To continue to be a key element of the US the USCG’s EO Sensor System (ESS) configuration, Reaper UAVs; as well as the AN/AAS-44(C) on the Army’s medevac mission is an honour,’ said Earl and the schedule calls for deliveries to be USN’s MH-60R/S Seahawks and the AN/ZSQ-2 Lewis, the then president and CEO of FLIR. ‘Our completed by the end of the year. on US Special Operations Command helicopters, highly advanced imaging systems enhance the New FLIR Systems turrets will also be fitted to according to Raytheon. It provides the OH-58F efficient and safe location and transport of US Army HH-60s by Sikorsky under a $7 million with an advanced thermal imager, an image injured personnel and medics in the field.’ contract awarded in August. A total of 12 aircraft intensifier and colour TV capabilities, and adds will receive Star Safire II surveillance gimbals by a laser pointer and laser spot tracker to the SIXTH SENSOR December. standard and eye-safe LRFD. The Talon gimbal can accommodate up to six The USN also continues to invest in helicopter Like the latest Apaches, the aircraft can also sensors at the same time, including a 640x480 sensor systems to support major upgrade exploit off-board sensors through Level II UAS element thermal imager; a colour TV camera programmes, awarding Lockheed Martin a teaming, which enables the crew to bring up or combined colour/low-light sensor; a laser contract worth almost $34 million for AN/AAQ- UAV imagery on any of the cockpit screens. pointer or illuminator; a laser rangefinder; and a 30 Target Sight Systems (TSS) for the USMC’s Relocating the Kiowa Warrior’s main sensor combined GPS and inertial measurement unit. AH-1Z Vipers. Plans call for the work to be carried from the rotor mast to the nose is the most The low light sensor works down to sub- out at Lockheed’s facilities in Orlando and Ocala, obvious change to the aircraft’s appearance. quarter moon conditions, says FLIR Systems, and Florida, with completion due in November 2015. The original position was chosen to enable in zero ambient light when used in conjunction The TSS went into operation for the first time the aircraft to minimise its exposure to enemy with the laser illuminator, which also identifies in February 2012 with the 11th Marine air defences in the ‘nap-of-the-Earth’ targets for observers using NVG or other image Expeditionary Unit as part of Amphibious reconnaissance environment of the North intensifying sensors. Squadron 5. DH
www.rotorhub.com Volume 32 Number 5 | September/October 2013 | Defence Helicopter 35
DH_SepOct13_p32-35_Sensors.indd 35 11/10/2013 10:56:04 RADARS wavesNew Two latest-generation attack helicopter types are now in production in Russia. Alexander Mladenov looks at the development, extensive testing and entry into service of their radar systems.
n November 2011, the first Russian attack engagement cycle still requires visual detection Ihelicopter equipped with an airborne and identification – this next step is set to take radar completed significant testing and place in the near-to-mid future by adding new evaluation efforts and was formally fielded in software and hardware. service with the Russian Air Force’s (RuAF’s) The FH-01 set was initially offered by Army Aviation branch. Phazotron-NIIR with an additional L-band The co-axial Kamov Ka-52 has a nose- decimetric-wavelength channel (known as DEVELOPMENT HISTORY mounted Phazotron-NIIR FH-01 Arbalet Arbalet-L), with a single mast-mounted antenna The FH-01 Arbalet-52 radar was developed in (‘Crossbow’) millimetric radar with a large or multiple conformal antennas providing a 360° the mid-1990s, initially conceived for export parabolic antenna installed in a radome in the scan capability using common processing customers, and in 2002 a version for the RuAF nose. The first four radar-equipped aircraft hardware and software. This enhanced Ka-52 fleet was launched. An experimental were taken on strength in December 2011, and capability, however, was eventually rejected radar set was installed onto the platform’s first by mid-2013 Moscow-based Phazotron-NIIR by the RuAF for its production-standard Ka-52s prototype, and based on initial test results reported that as many as 40 production- in order to simplify the development and obtained during a series of 17 sorties in 2004, standard FH-01 Arbalet sets have already qualification effort and reduce the radar’s Phazatron-NIIR’s design team introduced a been handed over to the RuAF. development, testing and production costs. plethora of software changes to the system in The millimetric wavelength chosen for the order to increase range and improve the radar’s UNDER THE WEATHER radar of an attack helicopter, which typically sector search performance. The baseline As claimed by both Kamov and Phazotron-NIIR, conducts missions at low and ultra-low altitudes, hardware, however, remains unchanged. the radar’s principal advantage compared to is less sensitive to ground clutter and can provide Arbalet’s initial flight tests on the Ka-52 in the day/night optronic observation and high-resolution mapping of underlying terrain, 2004 confirmed the performance expectations targeting payloads is in its ability to provide detecting radar-reflecting stationary and moving of the design team – with the helicopter flying at targeting information under various weather objects. The radar weighs 140kg and its large between 50 and 130ft, the maximum detection conditions – its performance is not degraded parabolic antenna scans a 120° sector in front range of a large railway bridge was 32km, while by rain, clouds or smoke on the battlefield – of the helicopter – 60° left and right. air targets were detected at between 11 and and it also has a much faster scan cycle of the The FH-01 Arbalet works in the Ka-band and 15km, main battle tanks at 12km and power underlying terrain. is used for detecting ground, sea and air targets lines at 20km. Thanks to the combination of these and supporting precision engagement by Range resolution is quoted as being under abilities, the radar can provide better situational cueing the helicopter’s GOES-451 optronic 20m and angular resolution amounts to 20 awareness, target detection and safety of flight payload for visual identification and firing of angular minutes. There is also a weather mode in adverse conditions, enhancing the Ka-52’s both the 9M120-1 Ataka-V and 9A4172 Vikhr-1 that can detect dangerous meteorological overall battlefield effectiveness and survivability. laser beam-riding anti-tank guided missiles. occurrences and air turbulence zones, while In its current production configuration and The nose-mounted antenna works in a another mode provides obstacle-avoidance state of integration, however, the FH-01 vibration-free environment with unobstructed data for ultra-low-level flight. Arbalet cannot be considered a completely field of view in the forward hemisphere, and the The moving target indication (MTI) mode, independent target acquisition, classification radar can be used at a minimum altitude of also tested for the first time in 2004, facilitates and identification sensor, as the target between 30 and 160ft. detection of a moving vehicle (at speeds over
36 Defence Helicopter | September/October 2013 | Volume 32 Number 5 www.rotorhub.com
DH_SepOct13_p36-39_Russian_Radars.indd 36 11/10/2013 10:56:52 RADARS The Mi-28N’s mast-mounted NO25 radar (left) is claimed to be capable of searching a 180° sector in air-to-air mode, while the Ka-52 is the first Russian attack helicopter to introduce a fully operational radar, the FH-01 Arbalet-52 (below). (Photos: via author) Developed in the early 2000s, the N025 is not far from its definitive configuration, as it is expected to be launched into production in 2015 following completion of the extensive multi-phase testing and evaluation effort for the new radar. The Mi-28N’s radar set, working in the Ka-band, is claimed to be capable of searching a 90° sector in air-to-surface mode and a 180° sector in air-to-air mode, with a scan cycle completion time of one second. Maximum detection range claimed by GRPZ for the N025 is in the region of 20km. The radar antenna mount can be rotated through 360° at a rate of up to 90° per second. The N025 is designed for mapping, static and moving target detection (including ground, sea and air targets) and measurement of their co-ordinates for rapid cueing of the Mi-28N’s Tor-28N optronic sensor. It is also claimed to enhance flight safety through 10km/h) at a maximum distance of 16km. The obstacle detection in front of helicopter crew also commented that the radar the helicopter and warning of was able to precisely locate a motorway thanks potentially dangerous bad to the detected flow of moving vehicles. weather occurrences at ranges In its initial production version, the FH-01 up to 100km. The underlying Arbalet lacked the non-cooperative terrain image can be used by the identification capability of surface targets of the crew for rapid cueing of the Tor- kind featured on Lockheed Martin’s AN/APR-78, 28N package located in the nose which is installed on the Boeing AH-64D Apache antenna of the FH-01 Arbalet (by using two towards a selected target, thus shortening the Longbow. However, according to sources from separate emitters) or by introducing a purpose- target search-and-track cycle. Kamov, a series of enhancements is planned for designed electronic scan active phased array – introduction in foreseeable future. the former option, however, is considered far REAL LIFE more affordable. The radar employs real beam mapping, Doppler DUAL DERIVATIVE The Russian MoD has not yet made a firm beam sharpening and MTI techniques to For the Ka-52’s ship-borne derivative, decision on the radar type to be used on the provide automatic target detection and tracking. designated the Ka-52K and currently being Ka-52K, and the prototypes and initial In its initial guise, the NO25 is capable of tracking developed for the Russian Naval Aviation production examples will retain the Ka-52’s up to four surface targets simultaneously. No service, Phazotron-NIIR is proposing a dual-band original millimetric-wavelength set. information has been revealed regarding the radar, based on the FH-01 Arbalet design and radar’s real-life capabilities for non-cooperative featuring an additional centimetric-wavelength FLIGHT DELAYS identification of surface and air targets, however channel (working in the X-band, emitting at Meanwhile, the Mi-28N’s N025 mast-mounted it is believed that development of identification 3cm wavelength). millimetre-wavelength radar for adverse algorithms in the radar’s software (using the It will be optimised for detection of sea weather and night-time navigation and specific shape and Doppler signature of the surface targets, capable of detecting large ships targeting is the first of its kind in Russia, radar returns) is still at an early stage. at a distance of between 150 and 180km, which originally intended to be an AN/APG-78- In its latest iteration, the antenna is installed is about ten times greater than that of the lookalike system, providing rapid automatic on a mast mount, stabilised in the vertical and original FH-01 Arbalet. detection, classification and prioritisation of horizontal plane in order to ensure unaltered Phazotron-NIIR’s designer general, Yuriy multiple ground and air targets. detection performance and an unchanged Guskov, maintained in 2012 that, in principle, the All design work, including software search sector during manoeuvring of the carrier dual-wavelength capability can be provided by development, was handled by Ryazan-based helicopter. The mast-mounted package of the both the original mechanical-scan parabolic GRPZ’s own scientific technical centre. N025 consists of an antenna, transmitter unit
www.rotorhub.com Volume 32 Number 5 | September/October 2013 | Defence Helicopter 37
DH_SepOct13_p36-39_Russian_Radars.indd 37 11/10/2013 10:56:53 RADARS The NO25 is expected to be launched into production at GRPZ by 2015, following completion of an extensive flight testing and evaluation effort. (Photos: author)
and multi-functional source generator, while its software improvements. The first example was computing unit is located in the fuselage, as are installed on a Mi-28N belonging to Mil MHP; the the power supply and control boxes. second is to be installed on another Mi-28N, The mast-mounted mechanical-scan radar undergoing the so-called ‘inter-organisational was flight tested for the first time in February testing phase’ (to be held jointly by GRPZ, Mil 2007, with the Mi-28N hovering at around MHP and the RuAF); while the third is installed 25ft. The main objective of the initial testing on a van used by GRPZ for developmental campaign was to verify the radar’s functionality testing and evaluation of the newly added in a vibrating environment and whether it hardware and software components. suffered from the interference caused by the rotating main rotor blades. IMPROVED SOFTWARE The main issue encountered during the initial The radar software was also vastly improved testing was related to the reliable operation of during the developmental testing effort, which the radar’s stabilised mount, and it necessitated added two new modes of operation. The first is extensive redesign and bench testing. As many low-level flight (looking forward for obstacles in as three versions of the mount were developed front of the helicopter), and MTI with Doppler and tested, with the final iteration proving beam sharpening. Currently, the software is effective enough to prevent the radar picture being enhanced through incorporation of new from blurring. algorithms, enabling air target recognition and A total of three radar sets for developmental further azimuth resolution improvements. radar on the Mi-28N resumed in late 2011 to testing and evaluation purposes were produced After a prolonged development period and evaluate all the operating modes. As of May at GRPZ between 2007 and 2009, all of which extensive ground testing to evaluate these 2012, a total of 12 test sorties had been have since undergone multiple hardware and improvements, flight testing of the upgraded performed to check the effectiveness of the
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DH_SepOct13_p36-39_Russian_Radars.indd 38 11/10/2013 10:56:56 RADARS
The next phase, the so-called ‘preliminary MISSING OUT testing effort’, is aimed at checking radar However, the NO25’s development and performance against the RuAF’s specification, testing has proven to be a protracted including detection and undertaking, and production Mi-28Ns tracking ranges and have been delivered to the RuAF without the accuracy of positioning radar – around 60 Mi-28Ns have already been information on various taken on strength by RuAF Army Aviation. target types. This phase These helicopters, however, feature commenced in October provision for retrofitting the radar at a later 2012 and is expected to be stage during their main overhaul at Rostvertol, concluded in the second expected to commence from 2015. half of 2013. The NO25 is also being actively promoted The last two phases for the Mi-28NE, the export derivative, and the of the N025’s extensive radar’s export version will be designated the testing effort are known as N025E. There is also vastly improved derivative the ‘special joint testing of the N025 in an initial phase of development phase’ and the’ inter- at GRPZ for installation on the Mi-28N’s organisational phase’, which will be performed enhanced version, designated the Mi-28NM. in cooperation with the RuAF’s flight testing It will feature new operating modes and a stabilised platform and vibration loads at centre. Upon successful completion, the radar shortened scan rate in the air-to-air mode, as various stages of flight, such as take-off, hover, will be declared ready to enter production and well as a full-scale weather detection capability acceleration in horizontal flight, deceleration, approved for installation on the production- and a newly added identification friend or high-G manoeuvres etc. standard Mi-28N. foe mode. DH
Defence_helicopter_annonce3.indd 1 01/08/13 13:06 www.rotorhub.com Volume 32 Number 5 | September/October 2013 | Defence Helicopter 39
DH_SepOct13_p36-39_Russian_Radars.indd 39 11/10/2013 10:56:56 TAIL SPIN Downturn dilemmas Major General William T Crosby, US Army Program Executive Officer, Aviation, talks to Scott R Gourley about the future composition of rotary-wing assets in the service.
uring a recent discussion with Defence to get better at being able to forecast to them Looking towards critical future technologies DHelicopter, Crosby talked about what our needs are going to be in this downturn like Future Vertical Lift (FVL), Crosby noted: ‘The programme priorities and the technologies environment or we could lose some of those easy thing for many people would be to say: “We necessary to support the future of army aviation. companies, which could then significantly impact can’t afford to be throwing money at FVL.” But ‘Within the programmes themselves, we are our abilities to sustain our fleets.’ to steal a phrase from one of my brothers at Fort obviously scaling back production rates and Crosby offered that the recent service Rucker: “If we hadn’t had people with strategic modernisation of ECPs [engineering change announcement to reduce the planned vision who looked to the future, we would have proposals] in order to keep the “big gain” acquisition of UH-72A Lakotas had nothing to gone to Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Hueys programmes funded,’ he said. do with aircraft performance. and Cobras. Instead, we went with Apaches and Crosby offered the current multi-year ‘The Lakota programme has performed Black Hawks and modernised Chinooks that contracts on Chinook and Black Hawk as magnificently. They have been under cost and were dominant on the battlefield.” examples of those efforts. ‘Between the two of ahead of schedule from day one. The aircraft has ‘So we’ve got to look to the future. We them, we are saving over $1.5 billion by doing done exactly what we want it to do. And EADS, in can’t rest on our laurels. So that’s why we’ve the multi-year. So we’ve got to preserve those.’ partnering with us and in doing the S&S [security pushed hard collectively to go after that and support] configuration that is helping out the FVL capability we need. Remember that my TWO-FOLD APPROACH National Guard and Reserve in the border patrol Chinooks are 50 years old; Black Hawks are 40; Asked how the drawdown in Afghanistan might operations and the mission that they have – that and the Apaches are in the same range. Even impact future decisions, he pointed to a two-fold team has worked very well together. though we are putting new airframes on them effort. ‘First, I have a responsibility to help train ‘That being said, the army has decided that through the modernisation effort, it’s still the the Afghans. We’re doing that through our Non we need 31 less than [projected in] the original old technology. So Fort Rucker, to their credit, is Standard Rotary Wing office, working heavily to buy. That was what was announced by our chief looking to the future.’ help the theatre command provide them with the in his testimony this year. Obviously, that has aircraft and equipment to do it,’ he said. an impact to their production line. I think that’s WORDS OF CAUTION ‘But the second part is that as you come about one year’s production, so that... would end Returning to a budgetary theme, Crosby home your op tempo is going to go down, about one year earlier than they had planned – cautioned: ‘We have to be stewards of the which means a downturn in the needs of but it was still scheduled to end.’ taxpayers’ dollars – you have to be able to production rates for sustainment parts and He continued: ‘So what we are committed quantify the cost of speed, loiter time, high/hot those types of things in our industrial base. We to do – and I’m working closely with EADS, and range, and then make your trades.’ have to accurately be able to forecast to them our partner in industry – is to see if we can Regarding industry partners, he offered: ‘What not only what the impact of this downturn in help them bridge that gap through FMS, or we can ill afford to do is have them continue finances is, but also the downturn in op tempo.’ perhaps another service could use them in an to throw resources against something we’re He continued: ‘I’m worried about all of the administrative configuration to meet one of not going to do. And our leadership is strongly industrial base, but I’m not as worried about the their needs. We believe staunchly in the aircraft. against starting something if we can’t show that “big guys” like Boeing, Sikorsky, BAE Systems and It has done everything it was supposed to do. we can fund it all the way through. That’s what those sized companies as I am about their third- So we are an advocate for others who want has taken so long for the [Armed Aerial Scout] and fourth-tier vendors. In a tough economy, if we to buy it and we will help our partner in trying decision. Believe me, the army is not ignoring it. can’t accurately forecast and help them manage to keep their production line open. But our They are trying to make it. But they want to make the downturn, we could lose some of those vital production line needs, as decided by the army, it with eyes wide open about what the budget suppliers to our industrial base. So we’ve got are coming to an end.’ landscape is going to be.’ DH
40 Defence Helicopter | September/October 2013 | Volume 32 Number 5 www.rotorhub.com
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