Military Embedded Systems

USAF tests new radar receivers for combat rescue helicopters

News

August 18, 2017

Lisa Daigle

Assistant Managing Editor

Military Embedded Systems

USAF tests new radar receivers for combat rescue helicopters
Photo: Lockheed Martin

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio. Lockheed Martin recently attained Technical Readiness Level (TRL) 6 for its AN/APR-52 Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) -- designed for use on the HH-60W U.S. Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH) -- following a successful demonstration at the U.S. Air Force Integrated Demonstrations and Applications Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

The AN/APR-52 RWR, which is part of the HH-60W's Tactical Mission System Defensive Systems Suite, is an all-digital, four-channel radar warning receiver designed to process a large number of signals simultaneously to more quickly and accurately identify threats to the aircrew, even in very dense signal environments. The aim is to provide critical threat-detection capability for personnel-recovery operations for U.S. military services.

The HH-60W helicopter -- built by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company -- is an advanced variant of the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter design and features increased internal fuel capability for greater range. The CRH aircraft will feature GE T700-701D engines, composite wide-chord main rotor blades to sustain maneuverability at high-density altitudes, and a new fatigue- and corrosion-resistant machined aerostructure. The helicopter's design includes an advanced Tactical Mission System that integrates multiple sensors, datalinks, defensive systems, and other sources of intelligence information useful for combat-rescue aircrews.

The Integrated Demonstrations and Applications Laboratory, a division of the Sensors Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory, focuses on evaluating electronic warfare (EW) technology by enabling high-fidelity simulations in relevant threat environments, similar to what the system will see in actual combat and situations all over the world.

 

 

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