HH-60W

Mission — Combat Rescue Helicopter source

The HH-60W also referred to as the Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH) will replace the aging HH-60G. The HH-60G currently supports the Air Force's core function of Personnel Recovery. The primary mission of the HH-60G is to conduct day / night / marginal weather Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) in order to recover downed aircrew or other isolated personnel in hostile or non-permissive environments. The CRH will be capable of employment day or night, in adverse weather, and across the full spectrum of threats to include chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear. On-board defensive capabilities will permit the CRH system to operate with less risk than legacy systems in an increased threat environment. An in-flight air refueling capability will provide an airborne alert capability and extend its combat mission range. The CRH system is capable of conducting combat search and rescue airborne mission commander duties. The aircraft will be self-supporting to the maximum extent practical. The CRH system may also conduct other collateral missions inherent in their capabilities to conduct Personnel Recovery, such as non-conventional assisted recovery, non-conventional evacuation operations, defense support to civil authorities, civil search and rescue, international aid, emergency aeromedical evacuation, disaster/humanitarian relief, counter-drug activities, support for National Aeronautics and Space Administration flight operations, and insertion/extraction of combat forces. The CRH development program procured a total of 11 aircraft as follows: 4 Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development (EMD) aircraft, 5 System Demonstration Test Article (SDTA) aircraft, and 2 modernization flight test aircraft. The CRH program office will procure necessary ground and flight assets required for both Development Test (DT) and Initial Operational Test & Evaluation (IOT&E). The CRH EMD program includes development of the complete CRH training system to include CRH Weapon System Trainer (WST), Operational Flight Trainer (OFT), Airframe Systems Trainer (AST), Avionics Desktop Trainer (AVDTT), other training devices, with associated spares and support equipment, as well as courseware required to perform flight, aircrew and maintenance training. Other development efforts include a systems integration laboratory, an avionics integration support facility, procurement of data rights and licenses, spares, aircraft, Government test, product support and program support costs (PSC). The CRH program will also pursue modernization efforts to develop and integrate enhancements in mission/defensive systems and additional system upgrades to address critical capability gaps. The program office will utilize the additional flight test aircraft in support of modernization efforts to address emerging threats and evolving mission needs. The Delta Training Device (DTD) effort will procure additional training assets, including but not limited to, maintenance and aircrew Crew Chief Part Task Trainers (CCPTT), aircrew Hoist Procedural Trainers (HPT), Virtual Reality (VR)/Mixed Reality (MR) maintenance aircrew trainers, associated spares and support equipment, as well as Type 1 training. Capability upgrades and modernization development efforts for the CRH may include, but are not limited to, the following priorities: Situational Awareness Data Link/Automatic Direction Finder (SADL/ADF) Removal, Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM), Electro Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Tactical Overlay, Global Positioning System Anti-Jam/Anti-Spoof (GPS-AJ), Degraded Visual Environment (DVE) system, Integrated Vehicle Health Monitoring System Control (IVHMS), Video Data Link (VDL), Radio Frequency Jammer (RF-Jammer), Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), Link 16, Joint Range Extension Applications Protocol (JREAP), Electronic Flight Bags, and Automated Dependent Surveillance Broadcast - In Device. Capability upgrades and modernization also supports inclusion for mandates, system enhancements, hardware and software changes for diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages as well as Deficiency Report Resolutions. In addition, studies, development, prototyping, testing and integration of emerging technology and support equipment opportunities to increase the effectiveness of the platform are considered in capability upgrades and modernization initiatives. The CRH program funding also supports innovation activities to include studies, analyses, requirements definition, and quick-reaction capability prototypes/demonstrations to accelerate planning for technology transition, technology insertion and future acquisition programs. This requirement supports performance of a full financial audit as required by title 10 U.S.C. Chapter 9A, Sec 240-D. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program's funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, and 0606398F. In FY 2024, $4.997 million was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 $0.000 million is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This program is in Budget Activity 5, System Development and Demonstration (SDD) because it has passed Milestone B approval and is conducting engineering and manufacturing development tasks aimed at meeting validated requirements prior to full rate production.

Mission — HH-60W source

The HH-60W Jolly Green is the US Air Force's Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH). In FY 2023, a new operational USAF CRH successfully completed a rescue operation in the Africa Command (AFRICOM) theater. CRH, now in Full Rate Production (FRP), provides the modernization and upgrade to the legacy HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter. CRH modernization funding is crucial to ensure the CRH fleet can support the new theater and revitalize support for not only the crew but the rescues they save. RDT&E efforts include but are not limited to Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) with Joint Range Extension Application Protocol (JREAP), Degraded Visual Environment System (DVES), Global Positioning System Anti-Jam System (GPS-AJ), Link-16 and the Delivery Order 1 (DO1) Agile Software Program. CRH budget request supports three lines of effort to include but not limited to Follow-On, Software and Other Programs. Follow-On Capability Upgrade Systems (FOCUS) includes the following capabilities: MUOS provides narrow band military Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) communication capability with improved availability for voice, data and video communications and is the DoD directed replacement to Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Satellite Communication (SATCOM). With MUOS, the CRH will be compatible with future satellite communication standards. MUOS adds JREAP capability for Link-16 over the horizon/BLOS, Common Interactive Broadcast (CIB), and future data formats. JREAP is a joint protocol per Military Standard (MIL-STD) 3011E which allows for extension of J-series and Common Message Format messages through long back-haul means BLOS range, e.g., SATCOM, land lines, and is specifically used with MUOS. GPS-AJ modifications will enable Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations in contested environments and areas with high jamming risk, especially where no other means of navigation exist, greatly reducing risk and significantly increasing combat capability in multiple theaters. Software Upgrade Program (SUP) Delivery Order (DO) 1, Agile Software Program provides software enhancements, deficiency corrections, and crypto-modernization mandates to the HH-60W fleet on an annual release cycle. Currently, the CRH fleet does not have a reoccurring process to enable yearly development, test and fielding of Deficiency Reports (DRs) to the operational fleet. DO 1 will not only give the warfighter the ability to rapidly fix these aging issues, but to also implement new software capability at the direction of the MAJCOM. SUP also includes and supports Training Systems, Government Test, Civilian Payroll, Mission Planning, and Other Agile updates. This Program shall be reoccurring to accomplish 5 years of agile support and software to the fleet. Air Combatant Command (ACC) designated this critical to accomplish any other mandates or specific requirements. Other Programs include Degraded Visual Environment System (DVES) which significantly reduces operational risk in all CRH regimes of flight, especially in-route navigation and terminal area operations in unprepared operational locations where the combat rescue mission is performed. A DVE material and technical solution to the DoD's #1 flight rotary wing flight risk, reduces operator workload, increases ability to operate in limited visibility conditions, and reduces mishaps saving lives and equipment. Link 16 and Infrared Countermeasures (IRCM) are Other Programs planned. This funding also supports Training Systems, Support Equipment, Initial Spares, Operation Site Activation, Program Support Costs (PSC) activities, Other Government Costs (OGC), various studies and analysis, upgrades, future HH-60W planning activities, and resolution of Diminishing Manufacturing Sources/Material Shortages (DMSMS) and/or obsolescence issues. Funding may be used to address Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) issues. DMSMS activities may include, but are not limited to, bridge buys, life of type buys, buys to protect production schedule, and engineering efforts for redesign. The CRH program budget request also supports innovation activities to include testing, integrated master plans, studies, analyses, requirements definition, and quick-reaction capability prototypes/demonstrations to accelerate planning for technology transition, technology insertion and future acquisition programs. Planned work includes program testing and development, effects testing, development of baseline integrated master plans and mission planning system analysis. This requirement supports performance of a full financial audit as required by title 10 U.S.C. Chapter 9A, Sec 240-D. The FY 2026 request for HH-60W Jolly Green includes $43,579 thousand of discretionary and $15,129 thousand of mandatory (reconciliation) for a total of $58,708 thousand. The mandatory funds modifying 26 HH-60W aircraft to meet the Air Force District of Washington (AFDW) mission requirements. Further information for this reconciliation request is provided in Section 20008 (Nuclear) of the Reconciliation Exhibit. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2024 $0.000 million was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 $0.000 million is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Mission — HH-60W Modernization Development source

The HH-60W Jolly Green is the US Air Force's Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH). In FY 2023, a new operational USAF CRH successfully completed a rescue operation in the Africa Command (AFRICOM) theater. CRH, now in Full Rate Production (FRP) provides the modernization and upgrade to the legacy HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter. CRH modernization funding is crucial to ensure the CRH fleet can support the new theater and revitalize support for not only the crew but the rescues they save. RDT&E efforts include but are not limited to Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) with Joint Range Extension Application Protocol (JREAP), Degraded Visual Environment (DVES), Global Positioning System Anti-Jam System (GPS-AJ), Link-16 and the Delivery Order 1 (DO1) Agile Software Program. CRH budget request provides for lines of effort to include but not limited to Follow-On, Software and Other Programs. Follow-On Capability Upgrade Systems (FOCUS) covers the following capabilities: MUOS provides narrow band military Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) communication capability with improved availability for voice, data and video communications and is the DoD directed replacement to Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Satellite Communication (SATCOM). With MUOS, The CRH will be compatible with future satellite communication standards. MUOS adds JREAP capability for Link-16 over the horizon/BLOS, Common Interactive Broadcast (CIB), and future data formats. JREAP is a joint protocol per Military Standard (MIL-STD) 3011E, which allows for extension of J-series and Common Message Format messages through long back-haul means BLOS range, e.g. SATCOM, land lines, and specifically used with MUOS. GPS-AJ modifications will enable Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations in contested environments and areas with high jamming risk, especially where no other means of navigation exist, greatly reducing risk and significantly increasing combat capability in multiple theaters. Software Upgrade Program (SUP) Delivery Order (DO) 1, Agile Software Program provides software enhancements, deficiency corrections, and crypto-modernization mandates to the HH-60W fleet on an annual release cycle. Currently, the CRH fleet does not have a reoccurring process to enable yearly development, test and fielding of Deficiency Reports (DRs) to the operational fleet. DO 1 will not only give the warfighter the ability to rapidly fix these aging issues, but to also implement new software capability at the direction of the MAJCOM. SUP also includes and is supported by Training Systems, Government Test, Civilian Payroll, Mission Planning, Other Agile updates and Small Business Incentive Rate (SBIR) Tax. This Program shall be reoccurring to accomplish 5 years of agile support and software to the fleet. Air Combatant Command (ACC) designated this critical to accomplish any other mandates or specific requirements. Other Programs include Degraded Visual Environment System (DVES) which significantly reduces operational risk in all CRH regimes of flight, especially in-route navigation and terminal area operations in unprepared operational locations where the combat rescue mission is performed. A DVE material and technical solution to the DoD's #1 flight rotary wing flight risk, reduces operator workload, increases ability to operate in limited visibility conditions, and reduces mishaps saving lives and equipment. Link 16 and Infrared Countermeasures (IRCM) are Other Programs planned. This funding also supports Training Systems, Support Equipment, Initial Spares, Operation Site Activation, Program Support Costs (PSC) activities, Other Government Costs (OGC), various studies and analysis, upgrades, future HH-60W planning activities, and resolution of Diminishing Manufacturing Sources/Material Shortages (DMSMS) and/or obsolescence issues. Funding may be used to address Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) issues. DMSMS activities may include, but are not limited to, bridge buys, life of type buys, buys to protect production schedule, and engineering efforts for redesign. The CRH program budget request also supports innovation activities to include testing, integrated master plans, studies, analyses, requirements definition, and quick-reaction capability prototypes/demonstrations to accelerate planning for technology transition, technology insertion and future acquisition programs. Planned work includes program testing and development, effects testing, development of baseline integrated master plans and mission planning system analysis. This requirement supports performance of a full financial audit as required by title 10 U.S.C. Chapter 9A, Sec 240-D. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2024 $0.000 million was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 $0.000 million is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Mission — HH-60W Modernization Development source

The HH-60W Jolly Green is the US Air Force's Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH). In FY 2023, a new operational USAF CRH had successfully completed a rescue operation in the AFRICOM theater. CRH, now in Full Rate Production (FRP) provides the modernization and upgrade to the legacy HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter. CRH modernization funding is crucial to ensure the CRH fleet can support the new theater and revitalize support for not only the crew but the rescues they save. RDT&E efforts include but are not limited to Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) with Joint Range Extension Application Protocol (JREAP), Degraded Visual Environment System (DVES), Global Positioning System Anti-Jam System (GPS-AJ), Link-16 and the Delivery Order 1 (DO1) Agile Software Program. CRH effort and budget has been divided into three main thrusts: Follow-On, Software and Other Programs. Follow-On Capability Upgrade Systems (FOCUS) program includes MUOS which provides narrow band military Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) communication capability with improved availability for voice, data and video communications and is the DoD directed replacement to Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Satellite Communication (SATCOM). With MUOS, The CRH will be compatible with future satellite communication standards. MUOS adds JREAP capability for Link-16 over the horizon/BLOS, Common Interactive Broadcast (CIB), and future data formats. JREAP is a joint protocol per Military Standard (MIL-STD) 3011E, which allows for extension of J-series and Common Message Format messages through long back-haul means BLOS range, e.g. SATCOM, land lines, and specifically used with MUOS. GPS-AJ modifications will enable CSAR operations in contested environments and areas with high jamming risk, especially where no other means of navigation exists, greatly reducing risk and significantly increasing combat capability in multiple theaters. Software Upgrade Program (SUP) Delivery Order (DO) 1, Agile Software Program provides software enhancements, deficiency corrections, and crypto-modernization mandates to the HH-60W fleet on an annual release cycle. Currently, the CRH fleet does not have a reoccurring process to enable yearly development, test and fielding of Deficiency Reports (DRs) to the operational fleet. DO 1 will not only give the warfighter the ability to rapidly fix these aging issues, but to also implement new software capability at the direction of the MAJCOM. SUP also includes and is supported by Training Systems, Government Test, Civilian Payroll, Mission Planning, Other Agile updates and Small Business Incentive Rate (SBIR) Tax. This Program shall be reoccurring to accomplish 5 years of agile support and software to the fleet. Requirement: ACC designated this critical to accomplish any other mandates or specific requirements. Other Programs include Degraded Visual Environment System (DVES) which significantly reduces operational risk in all CRH regimes of flight, especially in-route navigation and terminal area operations in unprepared operational locations where the combat rescue mission is performed. A DVE material and technical solution to the DoD's #1 flight rotary wing flight risk, reduces operator workload, increases ability to operate in limited visibility conditions, and reduces mishaps saving lives and equipment. Link 16 and Infrared Countermeasures (IRCM) are Other Programs planned. This funding also supports Training Systems, Support Equipment, Initial Spares, Operation Site Activation, Program Support Costs (PSC) activities, Other Government Costs (OGC), various studies and analysis, upgrades, future HH-60W planning activities, and resolution of Diminishing Manufacturing Sources/Material Shortages (DMSMS) and/or obsolescence issues. Funding may be used to address Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) issues. DMSMS activities may include, but are not limited to, bridge buys, life of type buys, buys to protect production schedule, and engineering efforts for redesign. The CRH program funding also supports innovation activities to include testing, integrated master plans, studies, analyses, requirements definition, and quick-reaction capability prototypes/demonstrations to accelerate planning for technology transition, technology insertion and future acquisition programs. Planned work includes program testing and development, effects testing, development of baseline integrated master plans and mission planning system analysis. This requirement supports performance of a full financial audit as required by title 10 U.S.C. Chapter 9A, Sec 240-D. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2024 $0.000 million was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 $0.000 million is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (8)