Heavy Metal (of the rotary kind)

[BigIron]

So, if the 60S mine sweep equipment doesn't pan out, is this what the Navy's going to get to replace our 53E's that about to turn into pumpkins?

I think there is no option but some level of success and capability from H-60 AMCM. There's too much money and time invested and there's no going back.

As far as the replacement H-53Es, I'm not sure if midnight is when they turn to pumpkins. That's the million $ question.

 

[Pags]

So, if the 60S mine sweep equipment doesn't pan out, is this what the Navy's going to get to replace our 53E's that about to turn into pumpkins?

I think there is no option but some level of success and capability from H-60 AMCM. There's too much money and time invested and there's no going back.

As far as the replacement H-53Es, I'm not sure if midnight is when they turn to pumpkins. That's the million $ question.

The OAMCM suite of sensors represents a significant piece of the LCS's MIW mission module. There's no way for a 53 to organically provide the AMCM capability needed by the LCS to complete it's MIW mission. Since there are something like 20 more LCSs on the way, the LCS needs OAMCM to be able to provide that MIW mission to the fleet. As to whether or not the HSC community will completely take over the full AMCM mission, no one's said anything.

 

[helolumpy]

I think there is no option but some level of success and capability from H-60 AMCM. There's too much money and time invested and there's no going back.

As far as the replacement H-53Es, I'm not sure if midnight is when they turn to pumpkins. That's the million $ question.

At NHA in 2009 the NAVAIR rep on the Flag Panel stated that in 2012 the Navy has to decide if the 60S can take over the AMCM mission or not. If no, then the Navy has to look into buy a replacement for the H-53 for that role. The 2012 date is based on the current 53E's reaching the end of their life in 2015. (I'm 90% positive he said that 2015 was the end of the life, but I'm 100% positive he said that 2012 was when a decision had to be made).

Those dates may have moved right over the last 1.5 years, but I don't think it will slide right enough to make a significant difference.

The OAMCM suite of sensors represents a significant piece of the LCS's MIW mission module. There's no way for a 53 to organically provide the AMCM capability needed by the LCS to complete it's MIW mission. Since there are something like 20 more LCSs on the way, the LCS needs OAMCM to be able to provide that MIW mission to the fleet. As to whether or not the HSC community will completely take over the full AMCM mission, no one's said anything.

If the tow packages don't work for the 60S, then the aircraft can not do the job. So the MIW mission of the LCS has very little bearing on the engineering issues involved in the new AMCM capability.

If the 60S can't do it, then you either need to be new heavy lift helos that can do it or abandon the AMCM capability. If the engineers figure it out, then it's not an issue anymore and the 60S can do the mission.

 

[BigIron]

At NHA in 2009 the NAVAIR rep on the Flag Panel stated that in 2012 the Navy has to decide if the 60S can take over the AMCM mission or not. If no, then the Navy has to look into buy a replacement for the H-53 for that role. The 2012 date is based on the current 53E's reaching the end of their life in 2015. (I'm 90% positive he said that 2015 was the end of the life, but I'm 100% positive he said that 2012 was when a decision had to be made).

Those dates may have moved right over the last 1.5 years, but I don't think it will slide right enough to make a significant difference.



If the tow packages don't work for the 60S, then the aircraft can not do the job. So the MIW mission of the LCS has very little bearing on the engineering issues involved in the new AMCM capability.

If the 60S can't do it, then you either need to be new heavy lift helos that can do it or abandon the AMCM capability. If the engineers figure it out, then it's not an issue anymore and the 60S can do the mission.

I think the MH-60S being "able to do the job" is a relative term. That will vary against the mine threat and how much clearance is required. Not only are the Organic AMCM systems integral to LCS, they are a whole different set of weapon systems with different capabilities from the MH-53E.

Since 2015 is now the near-term, I think they are going to have to extend that date quite a bit. NAE has funded quite a bit of sustainment items for the MH-53E to include a CNS (glass cockpit) upgrade along with IMDS - integrated track/balance within condition based maintenance.... I guess to keep it healthy until the sundown. I have heard "they" are looking at the Kilo as a potential replacement for Navy heavy lift/AMCM , but the focus is now on fielding that a/c for the USMC only; with a big "maybe on down the line" for the USN.

 

[Pags]

If the tow packages don't work for the 60S, then the aircraft can not do the job. So the MIW mission of the LCS has very little bearing on the engineering issues involved in the new AMCM capability.

The part of my post that I was trying to get across is that there is a lot of pressure to ensure that the 60S and the OAMCM capabilities do work as they provide a mission set to a platform that is a high priority for the CNO. The need for the LCS to be able to function in it's requried areas has a great deal of bearing on the engineering issues associated not only with OAMCM but other LCS associated weapons systems.

 

[S.O.B.]

If the 60S can't do it, then you either need to be new heavy lift helos that can do it or abandon the AMCM capability. If the engineers figure it out, then it's not an issue anymore and the 60S can do the mission.

Or just abandon systems that require tension (OASIS and Q20) and go with AMNS and ALMDS.

 

[S.O.B.]

Nice pic from DET II in Bahrian

 

[Alpha_Echo_606]

110610-N-KA046-002 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (June 10, 2011) Two MH-53E Super Stallion helicopters assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU), perform an aerial refueling training exercise with a KC-130J Hercules tanker aircraft above the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James Turner/Released)

 

[KBayDog]

Two MH-53E Super Stallion helicopters...

Uh huh.

 

[Alpha_Echo_606]

Uh huh.

Don't beat up the guy that reposts it please, I know` the MCs struggle with aircraft identification! :icon_wink





I'll try to make everyone proud when I post pictures of tomorrows air show.

 

[KBayDog]

Don't beat up the guy that reposts it please, I know` the MCs struggle with aircraft identification! :icon_wink

Not shooting the messenger, trust me.

 

[Alpha_Echo_606]

U.S. Marines with the Helicopter Support Team (HST), 2nd Marine Logistics Group hook a sling onto a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 464 during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel (TRAP) mission at an undisclosed location in Logar province, Afghanistan, Aug. 10, 2011. HMH-464 and the HST performed TRAP missions in order to retrieve U.S. military equipment, and to conduct investigations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ricardo A. Gomez/Released)

 

[jonqdoe]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMrbKgUFM2E

Always enjoyed this video

 

[Flying Toaster]

Posted this over in the general mil pic thread, but it belongs here. Some crazy German 53 pilots over in the 'stan-

The dude in the car at 3:16 must have needed a serious change of underwear...

I don't know why, but Europeans seem to have a totally different definition of "low" than we do.

 

[Alpha_Echo_606]

111205-N-VE788-087 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 5, 2011) A CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261 lands aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise in preparation for an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Travis J. Kuykendall/Released)