March 10, 2023 —
The Coast Guard placed a delivery order Feb. 14 for components and related supplies for the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) and Automatic Flight Control System used in the upgraded MH-65E short range recovery helicopter. Total value of the sole source, fixed price award to Rockwell Collins of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was just under $8.17 million.
These components will be used to convert helicopters in the Coast Guard fleet to the new Echo configuration and maintain Dolphins that have already been converted into MH-65Es. This is the third and final delivery order on the contract; purchases will support conversions through the program of record of 98 aircraft and provide necessary spare parts.
The CAAS and Automatic Flight Control System upgrades in the MH-65E provide advanced search and rescue and navigation capabilities. The MH-65E is vital in helping maintain Coast Guard rotary wing capability.
The Aviation Logistics Center in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, serves as the primary site for airframe and system integration and maintenance throughout the life cycle of the aircraft. Conversions to the Echo configuration are being completed during programmed depot maintenance of the aircraft. Sixty of 98 MH-65s have been converted to date.
For more information: MH-65 Short Range Recovery Helicopter Program page