During the three-day event at the installation’s test range, H-60M aircrews launched and controlled multiple medium-range launched effects. The Army said the test accelerated an air-launched effects capability for the Black Hawk.
The milestone followed a 13-month effort to rapidly integrate the capability into the aircraft. The Army said the successful test supports broader transformation initiatives and validates a new capability for Army Aviation.
The technology allows aircrews to command unmanned air-launched effects systems from a position of relative safety. The Army said this extends the reach, lethality and survivability of the force.
“Launching multiple LEs from a single H 60M is a first for an Army rotary wing platform, marking a major step forward in modernizing Army Aviation.” said Rodney Davis, Capability Program Executive, Aviation. “Just as important, validating the system’s advanced networking confirms we can maintain resilient, high fidelity command and control at extended ranges – delivering a decisive advantage for the warfighter.”
The Army said extensive joint and industry collaboration supported the achievement. Capability Program Executive Aviation and the Aviation Future Capability Directorate worked with other capability programme executives, portfolio acquisition executives, defence industry partners and the U.S. Navy to carry out the test.
The Army said the coordination highlights the Department of War’s commitment to interoperability. It also reflects efforts to accelerate development and maturation of key capabilities.
“The rapid integration of the Long-Range Precision Munition (LRPM) into the UH-60M A-LE launching solution shows the strong partnership between PAE Fires, PAE Maneuver Air, and DEVCOM AvMC and our commitment to rapidly developing, testing, and fielding cutting edge capabilities to the warfighter,” said Brig. Gen. Robert Mikesh, Jr. CPE, Offensive Fires.
The Army also established a dedicated Combined Test Team for the effort. The team included flight test engineers and experimental test pilots from the Redstone Test Center and the Technology Development Directorate-Aviation.
The team provided a framework for collaborative test planning, execution and reporting. The Army said its work helps ensure efficient and comprehensive evaluation, reduce redundant testing and speed capability delivery to the warfighter.
The Army will continue to mature the capability. It plans to feature the H-60’s air-launched effects capability in Project Convergence Capstone 6 this summer.
The upcoming event will further demonstrate performance, interoperability and tactical utility. The Army said it will take place in a realistic, large-scale operational environment.
