Degraded Visual Environment System (DVES)

Background
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Helicopter Sustainment Branch (WIH) at Robins AFB, GA, is conducting market research to identify potential sources for Degraded Visual Environment System (DVES) solutions for the HH-60W fleet.

The goal of this effort is to assess industry capabilities for providing DVES capabilities that enhance operational capability and safety upgrades into the HH-60W weapon system. The HH-60W's primary mission includes worldwide Personnel Recovery (PR) and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), necessitating operation in various environments and conditions.

Work Details
The contract will involve the following specific tasks related to DVES integration for the HH-60W fleet:
1. Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) of A-Kit and B-Kit systems.
2. Test & Evaluation (T&E) of Air Vehicle (AV).
3. Full Rate Production (FRP) of DVES components.
4. Retrofit installation activities for existing systems.
5. Modifications to HH-60W training devices to accommodate concurrency changes associated with DVES integration.

The DVES solution must provide real-time hazard detection in both enroute and terminal areas, effectively functioning under various degraded visual environments such as smoke, rain, clouds, snow, smog, night conditions, and aircraft-induced brownout/whiteout scenarios.

Period of Performance
Target Schedule: Prototyping demonstration no later than 2QFY28, with deliveries beginning at 2QFY30.

Place of Performance
Robins AFB, GA