Orion Simulator Connects Virtually with Seahawk Trainer

A P-3 Orion simulator connected virtually to an SH-60B Seahawk trainer for the first time during a “peer to peer connectivity” trial July 1 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), Kaneohe Bay.

Using its own simulation mode, the P-3‘s Tactical Operational Readiness Trainer, also known (TORT) successfully linked with an SH-60B Tactical Operational Flight Trainern (TOFT) in a synthetic environment. Referred to as “peer-to-peer connectivity,” this virtual linkage eliminates the need for a third party to facilitate the connection or act as a conduit.

“This landmark event comes at a time when technological innovations are advancing aviation training and readiness,” said Capt. John Feeney, Naval Aviation Training Systems (PMA-205), program manager.

During test and evaluation, P-3 aircrews communicated via the TORT with SH-60B aviators operating their TOFT. Through the TORT, the P-3 crew observed the SH-60B pilots maneuver the helicopter, as well as deploy buoys and launch multiple missiles in the synthetic environment. The P-3 operators were also able to check acoustic and radar signals during the training session, Feeney added.

“Both the P-3 and the SH-60B aircraft are designed for maritime patrol and reconnaissance missions, specifically anti-submarine warfare (ASW),” said Lt. Richard Holt, Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 2, Weapon Tactics Unit, training facilities officer in charge. “Since the two platforms continuously work together when deployed, it was only logical to integrate them now for coordinated ASW synthetic training.”

Within the next six months, the TORT and TOFT will participate in a simulated training event with a single Navy ship. Once both systems have successfully completed training with one ship, they will participate in a full-scale Fleet Synthetic Training (FST) event involving multiple ships, submarines and aircraft FST events provide real world mission rehearsal in a synthetic environment.

Source: ASD News

Sikorsky and Lockheed team-up for USAF HH-60 Recap

Sikorsky’s UH-60M BLACK HAWK

Former rivals Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky Aircraft are teaming up to offer a modified UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter they say will better meet the pared-down expectations for the U.S. Air Force combat, search and rescue (CSAR) replacement program.

The two companies signed a teaming agreement formalizing their intent to offer an advanced version of Sikorsky’s UH-60M BLACK HAWK helicopter for the Air Force’s HH-60 Personnel Recovery Recapitalization program (HH-60 Recap). The program would replace the 112 existing HH-60G Pave Hawk fleet with an equal number of new aircraft requiring minimal airframe modification or mission systems development.

The agreement positions Sikorsky as prime contractor, with Lockheed Martin as the major subsystems supplier.

“Our team has the resources and experience to rapidly deliver the proven UH-60M airframe design with mature situational awareness sensors and mission systems,” said Scott Starrett, president of Sikorsky Military Systems. “We believe a UH-60M aircraft missionized for the complexities of the combat search and rescue mission will fit seamlessly into established Air Force training and logistics operations.”

Lockheed Martin on the other hand, has provided integrated avionics and mission systems for other H-60 aircraft, including U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force special operations helicopters, and Air Force combat rescue helicopters. Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin also have a well established working relationship over 38 years, delivering more than 400 SH-60B and MH-60R/S mission-ready aircraft to the U.S. Navy.

“Lockheed Martin has 25 years of experience integrating mission systems for special operations and combat rescue helicopters,” said Dan Spoor, Aviation Systems vice president at Lockheed Martin Mission Systems & Sensors in Owego, N.Y. “We also can bring to the HH-60 Recap program the mature systems and readiness from our work on the prior CSAR-X competition.”

The companies will share facilities, experience and engineering talent for both opportunities.

- planenews.com
- aviationweek.com