MH-60T airframe replacement

[60FltMech]

Airframe(hull) replacement (https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2023-11-30-Sikorsky-Delivers-First-Replacement-MH-60T-Airframe-to-U-S-Coast-Guard)


Seems like a smart plan, they (US Coast Guard) are also adding additional airframes from the Navy to replace the H-65, from what I’ve read.

FltMech

[helispotter]

Part of the Sikorsky release says:

"Sikorsky is under a $374 million contract to deliver all 45 MH-60T airframes to the Coast Guard ALC through 2027 at a rate of 12 per year".

You have to be impressed that the USCG Aviation Logistics Center (ALC) in North Carolina has the 'in-house' capability to do the work to transfer over all other components from the airframes which are reaching their life limit.

[60FltMech]

If I’m not mistaken, the initial T-model modifications were all accomplished at the same facility. They must have a Depot level capacity, and I don’t recall ever hearing of any major delays with the original program whenever it was in progress.

I was given tour of the second T-model produced a few years ago by a kind Coast Guard Flight Mechanic, seemed like a well thought out modification to suit their unique needs. What a concept!🤣

[chopper2004]

Airframe(hull) replacement (https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2023-11-30-Sikorsky-Delivers-First-Replacement-MH-60T-Airframe-to-U-S-Coast-Guard)


Seems like a smart plan, they (US Coast Guard) are also adding additional airframes from the Navy to replace the H-65, from what I’ve read.

FltMech

Slightly digressing, Maltese based Spotter Magazine put this up

https://scontent-lhr8-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/415983318_10161802488111490_8157875249393513420_n.jpg?stp=cp 6_dst-jpg&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3635dc&_nc_ohc=lXjfLWBRV94AX92Y3yN&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-1.xx&oh=00_AfA83qmjBfZCxJw6JjtxmBU4zYL8SbNSZFaDs6se_z9C9A&oe=659C0EC2

Citing that the Coasties will start retiring some of their Dolphin fleet with long term plan to just have the MH-60T Jayhawk across the fleet. I did ask the magazine privately if they could provide a source or link for this news and to no avail.

I personally cannot see them limited to one airframe plus they're still in the process of finishing the converting the remaining D to Es. Also the cutters can take the MH-65 but not the MH-60T

cheers

[Northernstar]

It's true. D to E conversions of the MH-65 have stopped. Lack of spares especially magnesium gearbox housings from Airbus.
Back in 2018 USCG were promised 20 years support but in 2020 all the relevant tooling was sold to South Korea for the KAI effort. All new parts will be KAI and not type certified for MH-65 or AS365/155. Aside from all that the majority of MH-65's are around the 30k hour mark so attrition is way above estimates whereas MH-60J and not T models don't suffer such issues.

[havick]

It's true. D to E conversions of the MH-65 have stopped. Lack of spares especially magnesium gearbox housings from Airbus.
Back in 2018 USCG were promised 20 years support but in 2020 all the relevant tooling was sold to South Korea for the KAI effort. All new parts will be KAI and not type certified for MH-65 or AS365/155. Aside from all that the majority of MH-65's are around the 30k hour mark so attrition is way above estimates whereas MH-60J and not T models don't suffer such issues.

Just like most things Airbus, after you pick the aircraft up it is obsolete and largely unsupported by the OEM.

[helispotter]

Just like most things Airbus, after you pick the aircraft up it is obsolete and largely unsupported by the OEM.

Poor support seems to be a more widespread issue across the industry if the lack of S92 gearboxes discussed in a separate thread is any indication.

[Northernstar]

Ask any 139 or 169 operator what lead times are like for spares? But Meloni won’t care while she pushed gov to gov sales of both (Austria, Slovenia, Greece).

Wonder if the Austrians came to the U.K. and canvassed the HEMS and VIP communities on their 169 experience what they would find out. Though given everyone seems to be under an NDA to get anything resolved AW are too keen to suppress the reality for them to realistically know.

[chopper2004]

Speaking of the MH-60T program, and acquiring more former navy H-60 Seahawk from AMARG < i saw this on Spotter Magazine on Fb last year and questioned it, I PM the MAlta based magazine and asked for link to an article or news release but they never got back.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/761x585/mh65_replacement_ace88e3b21f2dcc28ca66c216453afd0479a096d.jp g

AFAIK, none of the cutters, even the new ones can take on the Jayhawk, but happy to be proven wrong?

any thoughts please?

cheers

[60FltMech]

I found this article a minute ago, discusses embarking a USN MH-60R aboard a Coast Guard Legend class National Security cutter, which appears to be the largest cutter they operate:

War Zone

FltMech (https://www.twz.com/navy-deployed-mh-60r-helicopter-aboard-coast-guard-cutter)

[chopper2004]

Interesting findings from the Coast Guard:Aircraft Fleet and Aviation Workforce Assessments NeededGAO-24-106374
https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-106374

Especially 'However, the Coast Guard has not fully assessed whether this transition will result in the type and quantity of helicopters needed to meet its mission demands. For example, it has not conducted an analysis of alternatives—an analytical study comparing the operational effectiveness, costs, and risks—to determine the best suited aircraft to meet mission needs. Assessing different helicopters using such an analysis would help the Coast Guard determine the best alternative to replace its short-range helicopter. Additionally, a fleet mix analysis would help ensure it identifies the necessary number of helicopters it requires to meet its mission demands.'

cheers