Above: The
Helicopter
Master Plan will
be complete
in 2019, as
the Navy
consolidates on
two operational
platforms — the
MH-60R and
MH-60S. US
Navy/MCS3C
Ryan Cartermanned aircraft, Triton will provide
commanders with valuable
battle eld awareness.’
The Triton is expected to reach IOC in
2021 and a unique part of that process
will include adding a multi-intelligence
function that will eventually replace
the Navy’s aging EP-3E Aries II signals
intelligence aircraft. Current plans call
for operational detachments that will
consist of four airframes, which will
make up one 24-hour, seven-day, orbit.capabilities, sensor performance
enhancements and readiness
improvements will be considered
to pace the threat and maintain
MH-60 prominence as a world-class
multi-mission platform. Investments
will support a series of incremental
upgrades as opposed to a traditional
major overhaul mid-life upgrade
program. Speci c system upgrades
will be pursued based on identi ed
operational needs and the anticipated
threat environment.’
Another addition to the other
smaller ships is the introduction of
the MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned
helicopter, which began its initial
operational test and evaluation a
few months ago with IOC expected
by the end of this year. The C-model
replaces the smaller MQ-8B and
is a larger, more powerful, craft,
o ering improvements in range and
endurance while o ering a larger
payload for weapons and sensors.
With an endurance of over 10 hours,
the MQ-8C will be a welcome addition
to the eet.
All of these changes, along with
the introduction of the new Ford-
class aircraft carriers, will ensure that
US naval aviation continues to lead
the eld, being fully prepared for
any future contacts by investing in
readiness and capability.With the Navy set to receive the last
of 280 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters
this summer and with plans to retire
its nal HH-60Hs in spring 2019, it will
complete the Helicopter Master Plan
that has rationalized down from seven
type model series to just two — the MH-
60R and the MH-60S. The heavily used
MH-60 eet has a forthcoming mid-life
upgrade including new weapons. VADM
Miller says: ‘Investments in improved
weapon systems, networked warfareAn MV-22 Osprey prepares to land on the ight
deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS
Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The forthcoming CMV-
will replace the C-2 Greyhound. US Navy/MCS3C
Matthew Granito(^12) INTRODUCTION
US NAVY & MARINE CORPS AIR POWER YEARBOOK 2018
6-12 Leadership Interview_v2.indd 12 01/06/2018 10: