Rockwell Collins to Provide Avionics for USAF Combat Rescue Helicopters

Rockwell Collins has been selected by Sikorsky for the U.S. Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH) 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.

“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 operations safely, it’s vital that they have the most advanced avionics available to improve situational awareness while enhancing mission capability,” said Troy Brunk, vice president and general manager of Airborne Solutions.  “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 leverages 15 years of open systems leadership to enable the Air Force to affordably implement mission enhancements over the life of the CRH.

Capable of a wide operating temperature range, providing superior optical performance and designed for a wide viewing angle for excellent cross-cockpit viewing, these multi-function displays are fully compliant with the latest night vision imaging system (NVIS) standards.

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 SATCOM with the Mobile Users Objective System (MUOS) capability to bring increased throughput and simultaneous voice and data.

Sikorsky was awarded the CRH Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract in June 2014 to develop up to four helicopters, seven training systems, and 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.