The Pentagon and the U.S. Army are in the early stages of a far-reaching Science and technology effort designed to engineer, build, and deliver a next-generation helicopter with vastly improved avionics, electronics, range, speed, propulsion, survivability, operating density altitudes and payload capacity, service officials said.The goal is to design a vertical-lift aircraft that is faster, more capable and better equipped than today's fleet.
As announced by Army-led Joint Multi-Role (JMR) program, the goal is to build a helicopter able to sustain speeds in excess of 170 knots, achieve an overall combat range greater than 800 kilometers and hover with a full combat load under high/hot conditions (altitudes of 6,000 feet and 95 degrees F).
Additionally, plans include having a degree of autonomous flight capability or being "optionally manned".
Historically, helicopters played a major role in Vietnam, where ground line of communications were underdeveloped and could not sustain large troop movement. Helicopters transported troops and supplies to the battlefield, and conducted MEDEVAC or CASEVAC operations.
The next-generation helicopter would have the biggest impact on tactical level of operations. It would increase the flexibility of logistics and support on the battlefield, increasing Army's fighting potential and the ability to project force.
Looking at GTSR model of logistics, next generation helicopters would greatly contribute to transportation and redeployment pieces. However, as mentioned before, only on a tactical level.
It would be interesting to compare the abilities of this next generation helicopter with the air frames we already have within the military. It is clear that most of the Helicopters we have today are reaching the end of their service times but the advancements that can still be put on them may still make them competitive. With Aviation being the most expensive branch in the Army I am curious to see how they will approach maintaining flight hours for the pilots within the branch. If they have these new air frames come into the Army then will money have to be taken from another place?
ReplyDeleteDon't get me wrong I am all about getting the chance to fly a new air frame but in all honesty I would rather have more flight hours then getting a new helicopter to fly. I enjoyed this article and I look forward to seeing the route the Army takes with it.