Nov. 1, 2024 —
CGNR 6063, the first MH-60T medium range recovery helicopter to complete service life extension program activities including the incorporation of a newly manufactured hull, arrives at Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, Oregon, on Aug. 8, 2024. U.S. Coast Guard photo.
The Coast Guard recently delivered the first MH-60T medium range recovery helicopter that was outfitted with a newly manufactured hull as part of the service life extension program (SLEP). This upgrade is a key initiative to complete SLEP work, which extends the operational lifespan of the H-60 fleet. CGNR 6063 was accepted at Air Station Astoria, Oregon, on Aug. 8.
The Coast Guard is taking two approaches to conduct SLEP activities for the service’s original fleet of 45 MH-60Ts, which have been in service since 1990 and are currently approaching the end of their service life: replacement of legacy hulls with low-hour, retired Navy H-60 hulls and incorporation of newly manufactured hulls. Parallel pathways provide multiple sources for hulls and support the timely completion of the SLEP process. Utilization of newly manufactured MH-60T hulls also provides approximately 20,000 additional flight hours, 8,500 more flight hours per aircraft, on average, compared to converted Navy H-60 hulls.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., the original equipment manufacturer, has delivered three of the 45 new hulls that have been ordered to date.
Hull replacement is just one component of the MH-60T sustainment effort. Critical dynamic components such as main rotor blades and electrical wire harnesses are also being replaced. Aircraft production, including the assembly and installation of these dynamic components, is being completed at the Coast Guard Aviation Logistics Center in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
The sustainment effort has expanded to include increments for fleet growth as the service transitions to an all MH-60T fleet. Consolidation of the Coast Guard’s rotary wing fleet to a single MH-60T airframe is necessary to mitigate sustainability challenges with the MH-65 short range recovery helicopter and maintain the service’s rotary wing capability until recapitalization in line with the Department Defense’s Future Vertical Lift program.
For more information: MH-60T Acquisition/Sustainment Program page