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The article details a successful mission in which a CH-53K King Stallion helicopter transported a non-flying F-35C airframe from NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, on April 24. Topics discussed include the CH-53K's unique capabilities and role in heavy-lift operations, the extensive coordination between multiple teams for the mission, and the helicopter's importance in supporting future emergency recovery systems testing.

The article details the U.S. Navy's initiative to improve rotary-wing aviation training through a new joint-service program involving Navy and Coast Guard students. Topics discussed include the transition from traditional fixed-wing training to a rotary-only pipeline, the implementation of contractor-based solutions in helicopter training, and the anticipated reduction in training time and costs.

The article describes how Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) in the U.S. has improved the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of H-53 helicopters with a new process for evaluating spar fittings. Topics discussed include the use of pressure-sensitive film for identifying gaps in fittings, the benefits of this process in reducing costs and turnaround times, and the positive impact on both the quality of work and efficiency of the production line.

The article discusses the efforts of the Basic & Applied Training & Technologies for Learning & Evaluation (BATTLE) Lab at NAWCTSD to improve spatial disorientation training in Naval Aviation. The lab has received awards for its research into Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation (GVS) as a training device for spatial disorientation. The lab is updating the Multi-Station Disorientation Demonstrator (MSDD) with the Naval Aviation Survival Training Program (NASTP) to provide more realistic training experiences. The goal is to leverage existing capabilities and integrate them to replicate specific sensations and improve training effectiveness. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the delivery of the final VH-92A Presidential Helicopter, marking the completion of the program to deliver 23 new helicopters for the executive lift mission. The VH-92A, built by Sikorsky, offers increased performance and payload over previous models, with enhanced crew coordination systems and communications capabilities. The Marine Corps, along with the White House Military Office and Marine Helicopter Squadron One, are working to ensure a successful transition to the new helicopters. The delivery ceremony took place in Owego, New York, with government and industry members present. [Extracted from the article]

The article highlights the CH-53E Super Stallion heavy lift helicopter's groundbreaking upgrade in the U.S. with the installation of a commercial off-the-shelf tablet as a primary mission display. Topics discussed include the integration of the Mission Data Extender (MDE) system, the use of new and existing technology to replace outdated displays, and the cost-effective enhancement of operational capabilities and readiness.

The article discusses that U.S. Navy recently demonstrated a mine countermeasure (MCM) prototype technology aboard the MQ-8C Fire Scout Unmanned Air System (UAS) at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, proving a capability that could allow the warfighter to rapidly detect and respond to threats.

The three-day disassembly was a dress rehearsal of sorts, as it gave stakeholders in the T408 engine program an opportunity to ensure everything from technical data to tooling to support [...]

The article offers information on the U.S. Marine Corps which has retired the AH-1W Super Cobra, called "Whiskey," during a sundown ceremony at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, October 14, 2020 after more than 30 years of service. It discusses that Whiskey was designed to provide armed escort, the Whiskey provided support to warfighters since the mid-1980s; and mentions that the Super Cobra carries two tandem pilots, can reach a maximum speed of 175 miles per hour.

The article informs that CH-53K King Stallion successfully completed its first official fleet mission by recovering a Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopter from Mount Hogue in the White Mountains of California on September 5, 2021.The CH-53K was able to easily lift the 15,200-pound MH-60S from a tight ravine at nearly 12,000 feet mean sea level.

Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) is gearing up to return an MV-22 Osprey to the fleet after conducting a wingoff stow ring replacement on the aircraft, the first completion of [...]

The article focuses on Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) being selected as the depot source of repair for the Air Force's HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopter. Topics include the significance of this selection for FRCE and its impact on the local economy, the capabilities and history of the Jolly Green platform, and the preparations being made by FRCE to support the new workload.

The article reports that the Aircrew Systems Program Office launched its second prototype (PT2) of the new MH-60S helicopter gunner seat at a meeting held in Virginia in May 2018. According to Fillip Behrman, integrated product team leader of the project, flight tests of the seat have been completed.

MOUNTAIN HOME, Idaho -- Arid, hot air sits heavy over the mountains. Soon, the autumn winds will sweep the lands to chase away the heat, but before they can, the [...]

The article focuses on TH-73A Thrasher which is a single-engine helicopter developed by the Italian aerospace company, Leonardo and was chosen by the U.S. Navy in January 2020 to replace the aging TH-57 Sea Ranger as it was a training helicopter. It mentions that the TH-73A is expected to improve the quality of training and better prepare students for their future roles in the fleet for the U.S navy.

The article offers information about the rotor blades for the CH-53K King Stallion helicopter that arrive for rework at Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) will be balanced on a new system by eliminating the need for building a new testing facility. It mentions that USBF fixture creates a virtual master where the known parameters, dimensions and characteristics of the master blade are entered into the software.

After a 32-year career supporting the development of new fleet technologies, a historic Sikorsky NVH-3A Sea King helicopter assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21 at Naval Air [...]

A team of pilots and engineers from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21, based at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, recently completed a crucial series of sea trials [...]

The article provides information on efforts made to reduce costs for CH-53K King Stallion, the new heavylift helicopter platform of the U.S. Marine Corps. Information is also given on the Warn 1500AC winch that is anticipated to save more than sixty million dollars, which amount to nearly the cost of the original winch.

The article informs that first operational TH-73A Thrasher training helicopter landed at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, Florida, on August 6, 2021. The helicopter made the two-day transit to the base from the Leonardo Helicopters facility in Philadelphia, where the aircraft was manufactured. The TH-73A Helicopter Instructor Training Unit team under TW-5 will use the first Thrasher to validate the modernized curriculum efforts.

The article informs that the U.S. Navy carrier strike groups led by flagships USS Ronald Reagan and USS Carl Vinson joined with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer JS Ise and Great Britain's Carrier Strike Group 21 led by HMS Queen Elizabeth on October 3, 2021 to conduct multiple carrier strike group operations in the Philippine Sea. The strike groups conducted flight operations and air defense exercise along with simulated strikes against maritime targets.

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- Marine Corps pilots are flying the CH-53K King Stallion at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, North Carolina, in preparation for entering Operational Test and [...]

If it's newer, faster, or carries a more powerful punch, chances are the Navy and Marine Corps pilots of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 9 have flown it. The [...]

Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) marked the end of an era when artisans recently boxed up the last T58GE-400B presidential helicopter engine and shipped it to the Marines who provide [...]

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- The Navy awarded an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to FlightSafety Services Corporation on Aug. 25 for Aircrew Training Services (ATS) in support of the Advanced [...]

Editor's Note: Improving readiness of the Navy and Marine Corps' heavy lift helicopter fleet is a top priority at Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE). The following three articles demonstrate how [...]

A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of commencing a vertical replenishment (VERTREP) with the U.S. Ship (USS) John C. Stennis.

The article presents information on MQ-8B Fire Scout, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) circling over the world's hot spots watching and tracking drug runners in the Caribbean, pirates in East Africa and terrorists in the Middle East. The Fire Scout's main job is intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance which allow for a mobile, flexible platform with less operational restrictions. It cites plans for a helicopter unmanned reconnaissance squadron dedicated to mission requirements.

The article presents information on the U.S. Marine Corps' (USMC) acquisition of the CH-53K King Stallion heavy lift helicopters. Topics include the involvement of the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters Program Office at Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), the aim of the USMC to overhaul its fleet of heavy-lift helicopters, and the CH-53K's compatibility with the 463L Master Pallet cargo pallet of the U.S. Air Force.

The article discusses mine countermeasure (MCM) sensor suite for the MQ-8C Fire Scout being developed by the Navy and the Fire Scout program office with the Office of Naval Research (ONR) will execute the Single System Multi-Mission Airborne Mine Detection (SMAMD) Future Naval Capability Program.

The article offers information on Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNAP) and Naval Air Force Atlantic (CNAL) expanded the scope of Naval Aviation's Maintenance Operations Center (MOC) Jan. 5 to include the MH-60R Seahawk and MH-60S Knighthawk helicopters. It discusses that Aviation Structural Mechanic (AM) 3rd Class Sierra Roper and AM2 Travis Sims conduct pre-flight maintenance on an MH-60R Seahawk, attached to the "Swamp Foxes" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74.

Several photographs depicting naval aviation aircrafts in the U.S. are presented, including A-6A and A-6B Intruder from the Navy, UH-1N Huey helicopter of the Marine Corps, and the Pterodactyl mascot of the Coast Guard.

The article features the HH-65C rescue mission helicopter of the U.S. Coast Guard. The HH-65C offers higher dispatch and readiness availability rates than the HH-65A/B. The helicopter has increased power availability, combined with greater aircraft gross weight limits. Furthermore, it provide aircrews with greater capabilities to match their challenging mission.

The article reports that the members of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 774 have completed the second deployment of Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. The Marines with HMM-774, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marines and cargo, providing assault support, and maintaining their aircraft in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The article offers news briefs related to naval aviation in the U.S. VF-213 aircraft has launched the Tomcat's first remotely operated video enhanced receiver (ROVER) system. Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 has conducted wind envelope expansion testing of CH-53D Sea Stallion on board Boxer. Marine Corps has received the full-rate production MV-22 Osprey at Bell Helicopter facilities in Amarillo, Texas.

The article provides information on the "Dragons" of Medium Marine Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 265, which marked their 40th anniversary in June 2004 with the CH-46 Sea Knight. The "Phrog," as the tandem-rotor assault support helicopter is affectionately known, has taken the U.S. Marines into battle, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in Third World countries, and has stood ready to respond on a moment's notice in the global war on terrorism. HMM-265 was established on 1 October 1962 at Marine Corps Air Facility Jacksonville, North Carolina, flying the UH-34 Seahorse. A Marine Corps requirement had been developed for a medium-lift, twin-turbine troop/cargo assault helicopter to replace the piston-engine UH-34. In April 1966, HMM-265 was transferred to Camp Pendleton, California, and then deployed to the western Pacific to participate in the war in Vietnam.

Focuses on the urban training of reservists in the United States. Primary mission of the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters; Evolution of rotary-wing aircraft.

Recounts the author's experience flying in helicopters and jets. Appeal of the mechanical components of a helicopter to the author.

The article highlights new approaches to firefighting and increased reporting time on the E-6B Mercury subsystems came as a result of innovative ideas from Sailors during a contest. It discusses that the airborne command, control and communications community came together for a contest designed to stimulate innovative thinking and allow everyone the opportunity to pitch their ideas; and mentions that the winning ideas were from Lieutenant Andy Husted and Lieutenant Commander Clinton Turner.

It's no easy task to prepare to fly the President and Vice President of the United States and other heads of state. Years of planning, setting requirements and testing the [...]

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- The Navy's Presidential Helicopter Program awarded a $542 million contract to Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, June 10 to build six VH-92A aircraft, spares and support [...]

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- With a $439.6 million contract award, the development of H-l helicopters is coming to an end for the U.S. military. The Department of the Navy awarded [...]

Reports on the United States Navy's reduction of the variety of helicopters in its fleet service to one primary aircraft. Strategy for fleet upgrades; Selection of the Sikorsky CH-60 utility helicopter; Consolidation of the squadrons.

The article informs that the first operational TH-73A helicopter was presented to the Navy on June 10, 2020 during a ceremony at the AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corp. plant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The cutting-edge technology and advanced avionics within the Advanced Helicopter Training System will enable a more seamless transition from the training aircraft to fleet aircraft, which in turn allows more focus on high-end warfighting development and training.

The article informs that Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadrons (HMs) and the HM community recently celebrated their 50-year anniversary with a fly-by of the aircraft at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia, on April 1, 2021. The aircraft is part of the trio of heavy-lift helicopters managed by the Naval Air System Command Heavy Lift Helicopter Program Office which manages procurement, development, support, fielding and disposal of the entire family of H-53 helicopters.

The article informs that Advanced Medium- Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) Joint Program Office completed the second live-fire test on May 12, 2021 of the new AIM 120D-3 missile variant, incorporating upgraded hardware into the guidance section. AMRAAM is the world's most sophisticated, combat proven air dominance weapon.

The article informs that the U.S. and Indian navies celebrated a historic milestone when two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters were inducted into the Indian naval fleet during a ceremony on July 16, 2021 at Naval Air Station North Island, California. The primary mission of the MH-60R is surface and subsurface warfare. The helicopter is also capable of search and rescue operations, vertical replenishments, personnel transport and medical evacuation operations.

The Chief of Naval Air Training, known as CNATRA, named FRCSE as the primary source of repair for the T-6 Texan II trainer aircraft in November. 'The T-6 is the [...]

The Navy's next carrier onboard delivery (COD) platform, the Navy variant of the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, promises to bring increased flexibility to the mission while continuing the essential task [...]