The U.S. Coast Guard is reconfiguring its MH-65 short-range recovery helicopter platform as part of service life extension and avionics modernization efforts.
USCG said full-rate production of the helicopter's E configuration commenced Nov. 21 at the Aviation Logistics Center in Elizabeth City, N.C. The service branch delivered two more units to the facility last month and a third unit earlier this month.
New helicopter systems include a digital weather and surface search radar technology; a common avionics architecture system for the digital flight deck and; an integrated command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance suite.
The service branch aims to expand the service life of its SRR helicopter fleet by 10K flight hours through the replacement of five key structural parts. Ninety-eight MH-65 helicopters are slated for upgrades through fiscal 2024.