Multi-Mission Helicopter Upgrade Development

The Multi-Mission Helicopter Upgrade Development (PE 0604216N) program is a Navy research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing the capabilities of the MH-60R and MH-60S helicopter platforms. The primary objective of this program is to ensure that these multi-mission helicopters remain effective and relevant in the face of evolving threats, operational requirements, and technology advancements. The program supports the Navy's Fleet Design and Distributed Maritime Operations concepts by enhancing the helicopters' roles in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting (ISR&T), antisubmarine warfare, surface warfare, electronic warfare, command and control, and non-combat operations.

MH-60 Development is the principal line item under this program element, with a focus on system upgrades, technology insertion, and obsolescence mitigation. Specific goals include improving sensors, network capabilities, weapon systems, avionics, communications, and navigation systems. The program is integrating modern precision-guided air-to-ground missiles, advanced flight control computers, and enhanced radar systems to support the Minotaur Family of Systems. Efforts also address Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages by developing replacement parts and qualifying new components for avionics, mission systems, and air vehicle subsystems.

Key objectives for FY 2026 include the development and integration of System Configuration capability increases, modernization of tactical networks such as Enhanced Throughput and Tactical Targeting Network Technology, and radar hardware/software enhancements. The program aims to integrate Link 16 Advanced Capabilities and Multi-Functional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems Concurrent Multi Network-4 to enable over-the-horizon targeting and improve network-enabled maritime targeting. Additional efforts focus on cybersecurity evaluation, open hardware and software architecture studies, and the continued development of the Collaborative Mission Planning Continuum.

Avionics hardware and software development is a major component of the MH-60 upgrade efforts. This includes integration, testing, and fielding of hardware and software upgrades as part of periodic System Configuration releases. These releases introduce new capabilities, address obsolescence, and incorporate technology advancements to keep pace with threats. FY 2026 plans specifically call for the integration and testing of display, Embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation System, and advanced flight control computer solutions, as well as continued development of acoustic processors, software-defined sonobuoy receivers, multi-spectral targeting systems, and common data link obsolescence solutions.

Engineering and logistics support activities are essential for the successful implementation of these upgrades. The program provides engineering support, integrated logistics, government-furnished equipment, and contract management to facilitate radar tech refreshes, system configuration activities, and tactical data link modernization. These efforts include requirements definition, solution analysis, and initial design for obsolescence mitigation, as well as cyber engineering and mid-life block upgrade architectural analyses. Agile development and integration activities for mission planning systems are also ongoing.

Test and evaluation is a critical objective, ensuring that new system configurations, avionics upgrades, and network enhancements meet operational requirements and safety standards. FY 2026 activities include testing of SC26 and SC28 releases, avionics obsolescence solutions, advanced capabilities for tactical radios, and radar tech refreshes in support of Minotaur integration. These tests validate the effectiveness of upgrades and support the fielding of new capabilities to the fleet.

Congressional adds provide targeted funding for capability upgrades, such as the development and integration of the proliferated Low Earth Orbit Skyhook System and the Kraken 18 Communication Pod. These federated systems are intended to enhance the MH-60's beyond line-of-sight data capabilities and secure network architecture, supporting improved cross-platform data sharing and tactical communications. Additional congressional funding supports modular open systems architecture development, aircraft diagnostics optimization, cyber characterization, and the introduction of Minotaur carry-on/carry-off kits for real-time track data processing.