The MH-60S Multi-Mission helicopter has been cleared to enter operational evaluation (OPEVAL).

“This team has taken an entirely new, and previously untested avionics architecture and glass (flat panel display) cockpit from approval to beginning production of this new helicopter to OPEVAL in less than four years,” said Capt. Bill Shannon, H-60 program manager.

The MH-60S (the Navy’s replacement for the H-46 helicopter) will be initially used for vertical replenishment, and later be enhanced to handle airborne mine-countermeasures, and combat search and rescue. It meets the full range of the Navy’s helicopter needs well into the 21st century. Two hundred thirty-seven MH-60Ss will be built. The MH-60S has already flown more than 1,000 hours in preparation for Navy acceptance.

The new glass cockpit, which was added in the middle of the test program, successfully completed the Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) certification, passing all of the more than 1,200 functional tests. The flight tests included flying in daylight, at night, instrument flying and numerous mission scenarios such as night flight over water during a search and rescue mission.

The OPEVAL for the MH-60S has started and will last at least three months, and conclude in January 2002. OPEVAL will determine the operational effectiveness and suitability of the helicopter in the combat support role. The MH-60S will be tested on various ships and from different shore facilities during OPEVAL.

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The MH-60S Multi-Mission helicopter is the Navy’s replacement for the H-46 helicopter and has been cleared to enter operational evaluation.