PEO-RW is responsible for providing the SOF community with the most advanced vertical lift capability in the world today. PEO-RW was formed in 2004 to meet the ever increasing demands placed on the SOF rotary wing fleet since the fall of 2001. To meet the growing challenge of providing vertical SOF mobility, in a variety of operating environments, the SOF rotary wing fleet is currently undergoing a transformation. This transformation saw the retirement of the aging MH-53 fleet while focusing on newer and more capable platforms, such as the MH-47G, MH-60M, A/MH-6M, and the CV-22 tilt-rotor aircraft (PEO-FW).
To accomplish its mission, PEO-RW, with its partner, the Technology Applications Program Office (TAPO) at Fort Eustis, VA, integrates SOF-unique mission equipment packages onto proven Army helicopter platforms. This acquisition strategy supports the SOF warfighter while providing USSOCOM with a cost-effective method of providing a SOF-unique helicopter to complete its world-wide missions. Both USSOCOM and the Army benefit from the partnership of merging Army and SOF-unique components and technologies
A/MH-6M Little Bird
The MH-6 Little Bird program transforms a civilian McDonnell Douglas 500-series aircraft into the Mission Enhanced Little Bird (MELB) through a series of SOF-unique modifications, including an improved tail boom and tail rotor drive system, full complement of weapon systems, an enlarged aft cargo door, an increase of the maximum gross weight to 4,700 lbs., and Mark IV rails. Completed in July 2008, the aircraft is currently in Block 1.0 upgrade to reduce operational weight, add an additional ARC-231 radio, and improve the EOSS. The MH-6M Little Bird is fully configurable, capable of serving in an attack or assault role.
MH-47G Chinook
The heavy lifter of the SOF rotary wing fleet is the venerable MH-47G Chinook. With a maximum gross weight of 54,000 pounds and the ability to travel at over 150 knots, the MH-47G provides the SOF community with a proven, durable workhorse that is able to fulfill a variety of missions around the world. Currently 47 of 61 MH-47Gs have been delivered. The Boeing Company continues to deliver remanufactured aircraft to the Special Operations Forces Support Activity (SOFSA) in Lexington, KY for post-production modification. The modifications include the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS), Suite of Integrated Radio Frequency Countermeasures (SIRFC), 2,000 gallon fuel tanks, aerial refueling probe, Multi-Mode Radar, engines with more capabilities and greater power, and several other significant improvements to ensure the aircraft’s relevance in the 21st century and beyond. The MH-47G deployed to combat in FY 2007 and is still supporting SOF deployed in multiple locations.
MH-60M Blackhawk
Complimenting the MH-47G is the medium lift MH-60M Blackhawk. The SOF Blackhawk comes in two configurations: a troop transport configuration and a Defensive Armed Penetrator (DAP) armed configuration. The DAP aircraft provides armed security for the MH-47G and other MH-60 aircraft. The MH-60M modernization program begins delivering new-build MH-60M aircraft in 2009. Once completed, the MH-60M modernization program will provide the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) with over 70 new MH-60M SOF-unique Blackhawks.
The MH-60 SOF modernization program takes Sikorsky’s new-build UH-60M aircraft from the Army and modifies them with SOF-unique mission equipment. The MH-60M aircraft will feature CAAS, wide-chord rotor blades, active vibration reduction, and the improved Electro-Optical Sensor System (EOSS). The most significant modification, however, is the incorporation of two General Electric YT706-GE-700 engines. These 2,500 shaft horsepower engines will give the aircraft a high/hot capability unmatched by any H-60 variant currently fielded. As the MH-60M is fielded, 160th SOAR will begin phasing out the current MH-60K/L fleet.
A-160T Hummingbird UAS
Currently undergoing operational evaluation is the A-160T Hummingbird, a SOF-unique unmanned helicopter produced by the Phantom Works/Advanced Systems Division of The Boeing Company. The A-160 was designed as a long-endurance vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAS which has flown a world record 18.7 hours with a 300 pound payload (May 2008). The aircraft's current maximum gross weight is 5,500 pounds with a design objective of 6,500 pounds. With demonstrated speeds over 140 knots and a design objective of 165 knots, the A-160 will provide a significantly new capability to SOF units. The A160T's mission radius will exceed 900 nautical miles upon completion of ongoing beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) control capability integration.
The aircraft is designed to carry 1,000 pounds in an external undercarriage pod or a 2,500 pound slung load, and the stub wings will accommodate up to eight Hellfire missiles if desired. The aircraft service ceiling is currently 20,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), based on the commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) turbine engine (Pratt & Whitney 207D) certification with a demonstrated out-of-ground effect hover of 20,000 feet MSL. The future of SOF rotary wing will include the A-160 Hummingbird. Its wide range of mission package possibilities support the ever changing demands of SOF.
Although a relatively new stand-alone organization, PEO-RW has been chartered with management oversight of all current rotary wing programs within USSOCOM. PEO-RW, along with TAPO, is working diligently to transform the Vietnam-era helicopters of yesterday into an elite vertical lift fleet capable of supporting SOF anywhere, anytime, in the most extreme and demanding flight envelopes on the planet.