HH60W Modifications

The HH60W Modifications program is a line item within the Air Force's Aircraft Procurement budget, specifically focused on the modification and modernization of the Combat Rescue Helicopter (HH-60W) fleet. The overarching goal of this program is to replace the aging HH-60G fleet with enhanced HH-60W aircraft capable of operating in day or night conditions, adverse weather, and high-threat environments, including those involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear hazards.

The program is designed to ensure that the HH-60W remains effective in its primary mission of combat search and rescue (CSAR), as well as in a variety of collateral missions such as personnel recovery, non-conventional evacuation, defense support to civil authorities, humanitarian relief, and support for other federal agencies.

One of the primary objectives of the Low Cost Modifications (LCM) line is to enable timely and cost-effective upgrades to the HH-60W platform. This includes addressing Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) issues, procuring life-of-type buys to mitigate risks of component obsolescence, and retrofitting support or government-furnished equipment. LCM funding supports the manufacturing, installation, and acceptance testing of these modifications on both aircraft and training systems, with the intent to avoid higher costs associated with non-recurring engineering and to maintain operational readiness.

The Degraded Visual Environment (DVE) System modification is another significant component of the HH60W Modifications program. The DVE system is intended to improve flight safety and mission effectiveness by enabling safe navigation, takeoff, and landing in conditions where visual references are compromised, such as dust, fog, or darkness. This capability is achieved through sensor fusion hardware and software, including a dedicated processor that integrates geo-registered data from pre-loaded databases and onboard sensors. The DVE system aims to eventually support full authority flight controls, reducing pilot workload and enhancing aircraft handling in challenging environments. Retrofits and installations are planned to begin after development is complete, with a total objective of 94 units across the fleet.

Additional objectives within the HH60W Modifications line include the integration of advanced defensive and communication capabilities. Planned upgrades encompass Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) to enhance survivability against infrared-guided threats, Global Positioning System Anti-Jam/Anti-Spoof (GPS AJ) systems to ensure reliable navigation in contested environments, and the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) for secure, resilient satellite communications. These enhancements are critical for maintaining the HH-60W's ability to operate in increasingly complex and hostile operational theaters.

The program also includes modernization efforts such as the Integrated Vehicle Health Management System, Blue Force Tracker 2 for improved situational awareness, Video Data Link for real-time information sharing, Next Generation Crypto Modifications for secure communications, and Automated Dependent Surveillance Broadcast-In Device for advanced tracking and safety. These upgrades are designed to ensure compliance with evolving mandates, address hardware and software changes necessitated by obsolescence, and support the performance of full financial audits as required by federal law.

Funding for the HH60W Modifications program in FY 2026 includes both discretionary and mandatory appropriations, with mandatory funds specifically allocated for modifications to meet Air Force District of Washington (AFDW) mission requirements. The program supports both active and reserve components and is justified under Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, which mandates readiness for homeland defense, domestic emergency response, and military support to civil authorities. The procurement and installation schedules are managed through a combination of organic and contractor field teams, ensuring timely delivery and integration of new capabilities.