USN tests potential EW upgrade for MH-60R
The US Navy’s Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare Collaboration, Experimentation, Integration Team has prototyped and field-tested a hardware and software capability that could be provided as a potential upgrade for the MH-60R rotorcraft, moving from concept to prototype in months.
This technology is intended to provide enhanced situational awareness and more collaborative electronic warfare missions aboard the MH-60R.
The team demonstrated its project, the Software and Hardware for Airborne Fusion Technology, Experimentation and Demonstration (SHAFTED), during a risk reduction event in May, flying the prototype with the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 70.
‘The SHAFTED team split into two groups, home and away,’ Brian Hill, collaborative EW branch supervisor, said. ‘The home team stayed at Point Mugu, correcting bugs and making software updates to send back to the away team.’
The away team installed the upgrades and flight-tested the system. Before it could do that, members of the team had to complete underwater egress training so they could fly in the MH-60R during the exercise. The training involves learning to escape an aircraft while submerged wearing full flight gear.
‘The SHAFTED team’s hard work reflects the professional rigor of the team and establishes a new standard for electromagnetic manoeuvre experimentation at NAWCWD,’ Hill added.
You may also like
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Royal Navy helicopter crews transfer control of UAS in European first]()
Royal Navy helicopter crews transfer control of UAS in European first
Using technology supplied by QinetiQ, two Royal Navy helicopter crews successfully exchanged control of a UAS while in flight.
-
![Leonardo wins Canadian helicopter upgrade programme]()
Leonardo wins Canadian helicopter upgrade programme
The upgrade contract will ensure that the Candian helicopters are compliant with future technological requirements.
-
![Guatemala receives Bell Subaru helicopters]()
Guatemala receives Bell Subaru helicopters
The latest version of the Bell 412 helicopter has improved performance and weight capacity and will support Guatemala in various missions.
-
![Algeria expresses interest in AW249 while AW139 deal remains in limbo]()
Algeria expresses interest in AW249 while AW139 deal remains in limbo
Leonardo and Algeria hope to seal the AW139 deal in 2023 while Italy and the North African country further strengthen defence ties.
-
![Nigeria to receive new attack helicopters]()
Nigeria to receive new attack helicopters
The Nigerian Air Force is to receive more than 50 attack air assets to strengthen its ability to fight insecurity within its borders.
-
![Royal Navy upgrades Merlin helicopters]()
Royal Navy upgrades Merlin helicopters
The Royal Navy's amphibious helicopters have received an improved defensive aid suit and Merlin pilots can now train in a synthetic training environment.
