Sikorsky selects Rockwell Collins avionics for U.S. Air Force combat rescue helicopters

Sept. 15, 2015
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., 15 Sept. 2015. Sikorsky engineers working on the U.S. Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH) program selected Rockwell Collins to provide state-of-the art avionics and mission equipment, including the cockpit flight and mission display system, navigation radios, and the ARC-210 V/UHF advanced communication system.

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., 15 Sept. 2015. Sikorsky engineers working on the U.S. Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH) program selected Rockwell Collins to provide state-of-the art avionics and mission equipment, including the cockpit flight and mission display system, navigation radios, and the ARC-210 V/UHF advanced communication system.

“In the midst of a combat zone, threats can come from all directions. To make sure Air Force pilots are able to conduct search and rescue (SAR) operations safely, it’s vital that they have the most advanced avionics available to improve situational awareness while enhancing mission capability,” say Troy Brunk, vice president and general manager of Airborne Solutions at Rockwell Collins. “Sikorsky’s selection of our latest display and communications technologies for the CRH program will help ensure success for the combat rescue mission.”

Rockwell Collins’ integrated cockpit flight and mission display system provides superior situational awareness reducing pilot workload for the CRH mission. Based on combat proven technologies currently being fielded on the U.S. Army’s Black Hawk helicopters, the HH-60W’s cockpit display system features an open system architecture to enable the Air Force to implement mission enhancements over the life of this next generation of combat rescue helicopters.

These multifunction displays are: compliant with the latest night vision imaging system (NVIS) standards, capable of a wide operating temperature range, providing superior optical performance, and designed for a wide viewing angle for excellent cross-cockpit viewing.

Rockwell Collins has been selected by Sikorsky for the U.S. Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopter (shown here) program. Rockwell Collins will provide state-of-the art avionics and mission equipment to the next generation of combat rescue helicopters, including the cockpit flight and mission display system, navigation radios and the advanced ARC-210 V/UHF communication system. Image courtesy of Sikorsky.

The CRH contract includes the newest generation ARC-210 to provide secure voice communications, including civil interoperability (APCO-25). It offers the CRH program future growth for advanced ad hoc networking as well as next-generation satellite communications (SATCOM) with the Mobile Users Objective System (MUOS) capability to bring increased throughput and simultaneous voice and data.

Sikorsky won the CRH Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract in June 2014 to develop up to four helicopters and seven training systems, as well as to provide initial product support. The contract includes production options for fielding a total of 112 HH-60W helicopters which will replace the U.S. Air Force’s aging fleet of HH-60G helicopters.

Rockwell Collins develops and deploys communication and aviation electronic solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, simulation and training, and information management is delivered by a global workforce, and a service and support network that crosses more than 150 countries.

About the Author

Courtney E. Howard | Chief Editor, Intelligent Aerospace

Courtney enjoys writing about all things high-tech in PennWell’s burgeoning Aerospace and Defense Group, which encompasses Intelligent Aerospace and Military & Aerospace Electronics. She’s also a self-proclaimed social-media maven, mil-aero nerd, and avid avionics and space geek. Connect with Courtney at [email protected], @coho on Twitter, on LinkedIn, and on Google+.

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