Sept. 16, 2024 —
CGNR 6577 is readied for departure from the Aviation Logistics Center on Aug. 19. Its delivery to the Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama, marks the 90th and final MH-65 helicopter to complete the service life extension program and upgrades resulting in the Echo configuration. U.S. Coast Guard photo.
The H-65 Conversion/Sustainment Program reached an important milestone Aug. 19, sending off the 90th and final MH-65E to its operational unit at Aviation Training Center (ATC) in Mobile, Alabama. The transition from the MH-65D to the MH-65E (commonly referred to as the “Delta” and “Echo” configurations, respectively) has been in development for over a decade.
The Short Range Recovery (SRR) production line at the Aviation Logistics Center has been executing the Echo conversion since 2018 when the very first Echo was delivered to ATC Mobile to prepare for pilot training and course development in the new model. By happenstance, the final Echo was also delivered to ATC, an altogether fitting accomplishment as the program came full circle and achieved full operating capability.
A highlight of the program was SRR’s consistency and adherence to the delivery schedule as they produced an Echo aircraft every 22 days and achieved an 80% on-time delivery rate, a testament to the product line after factoring in the pace of early production activities and the negative impacts of COVID-19.
The avionics upgrade to the MH-65E configuration provides enhanced search and rescue capabilities including modern “glass cockpit” technology that increases pilot and aircrew situational awareness and provides commonality with the service’s MH-60T Jayhawk fleet. The upgrades also include reliability and capability improvements for the automatic flight control system, enhanced digital weather and surface radar, and multifunctional displays with more accurate fuel calculations.
The upgrades bring the fleet into compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration’s Next Generation Airspace Transportation System requirements and extend the aircraft service life through the Coast Guard’s transition to an all-MH-60T rotary wing fleet.
Since the first Echo delivery, the aircraft has surpassed 100,000 flight hours and has been involved in more than 8,000 search and rescue cases. The model is responsible for saving and assisting more than 1,200 lives, making a substantial contribution to the 26,000 lives rescued throughout the 40 years the Coast Guard has flown different variants of the H-65.
The MH-65E is a multi-mission helicopter, responsible for over 100 ship deployments across the world and participated in more than 15 hurricane response efforts. Air Station Atlantic City commenced its transition in October 2022 and has executed over 100 land-based deployments conducting rotary wing air intercept missions as part of national defense. The Helicopter Interdiction Squadron in Jacksonville, Florida, which commenced its transition to the MH-65E in July 2021, has conducted 62 deployments in the MH-65E, with 133 interdictions and seizing nearly 300,000 pounds of cocaine and over 60,000 pounds of marijuana totaling nearly $4 billion in illegal narcotics.
Related:
Video: Coast Guard delivers final MH-65E to Aviation Training Center
For more information: MH-65 Short Range Recovery Helicopter Program page