The first three MH-60S helicopters were delivered to an operational fleet squadron on Guam on March 31. HC-5 aircrew will begin flying the new helicopters by June, after completion of Sierra training at the fleet replacement squadron.

HC-5 has been flying seven Sierras training replacement aircrews over 1,000 hours to date. The Sierra Program expects the completed operational evaluation report by May 1, and a full rate production decision by the end of June. The total planned buy is 237 aircraft.

The MH-60R program has also been progressing well over the last year. A “full-up” Romeo test article made its first flight on April 4 from a Lockheed Martin facility in Owego, N.Y. Two NMH-60R prototypes have been used to date. The Romeo has many common elements with the Sierra, including the newly developed common glass cockpit.

“As with any complex weapon system, there are plenty of challenges,” said Capt. Bill Shannon, manager of the Multi-Mission Helicopter Program Office, “but we're right on track and making significant progress.”
Romeo is expected to enter the fleet near the end of fiscal 2005. The total planned buy is 243.

(Call Renee Hatcher at 301-757-5138 for more information about this release.)

PHOTO CAPTION
One of three MH-60S helicopters is unloaded from a transport aircraft March 31 on Guam.