According to analysis from Janes Market Forecast, the global helicopter market is worth a total of almost €332Bn between 2022 and 2031. Transport helicopters account for almost half of this market share (around €161Bn), followed by multi-role electronic and government-furnished equipment (GFE). The latter two each have a share of about €43Bn. In terms of individual platforms, the Sikorsky H-60 BLACKHAWK leads the procurement ranking by far, ahead of the Sikorsky CH-53, Boeing AH-64 APACHE and Boeing H-47 CHINOOK. This is mainly due to the fact that many nations are currently modernising their ageing fleets and a new generation of light and medium transport helicopters is coming to customers. But Russia’s attack on Ukraine is also likely to renew interest in true combat and anti-tank helicopters among many European countries.
Key Rotary Wing Considerations
Currently, the focus is on platform performance, meaning higher payload, range and speed. In the US Marine Corps (USMC) and Israel, for example, these demands are met by the supply of the Sikorsky CH-53K for the next 40 years. From a German airborne point of view, it looks like this in purely numerical terms: the WIESEL’s successor, the Airmobile Tracked Weapon Carrier (LuWa) should be able to be transported as an internal load with two vehicles. The demonstrator weighs about 5 tonnes with ammunition and crew.
Next in the Medium Transport Helicopter (MTH) segment, the demand for higher speed for troop transports – and not heavier loads – will come into focus. The Bell/Boeing V-22 OSPREY was the first to implement the aspect of higher flight speeds with the tiltrotor. Just take a look at the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) programme in the USA and the further development of models like the OSPREY. Skyworks Aeronautics Corp. from Chicago/USA also intends to enter this segment with its VERTIJET. This is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) high speed and long-range gyrodyne. This aircraft is flown by one pilot and, according to the company, can carry six passengers, fly at 644 km/h and cover 1,609 km. Embraer and BAE are also working on militarising the EVTOL project, an all-electric counterpart.
A German Army concept paper calls for Army aviators to have “Agility and flexibility to quickly shift focus in land operations.” As a core capability, the Army aviators should be able to rapidly deploy their weapon systems in daytime, at night and in poor visibility, over long distances, independent of terrain and under threat, to provide effect and support throughout the entire Area of Responsibility. Within the framework of the performance triangle of speed, range and payload, flight speeds of more than 220 knots and mission times of at least three hours without additional tanks or air-to-air refuelling are required. Another core requirement is Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T).
Breaking Down Rotary Wing Requirements
In Europe, the question will arise as to how the successor to the NH-90 and the existing combat helicopters will look. Put another way, will there be a European Future Vertical Lift programme? Initial approaches are already being considered at the European Defence Agency (EDA). The FVL programme of the US Army consists of four projects:
- the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) programme
- the prototype competition of the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA)
- Future UAS
- The Modular Open Systems Architecture
The FLRAA is intended to replace the US military’s (Army and USMC) BLACKHAWK helicopter fleet, starting in 2030. FARA is intended to fill the critical gap of a light attack and reconnaissance capability previously filled by the Bell OH-58D KIOWA WARRIOR, which was retired in 2014. Of the original five contenders, a down-selection was conducted in the summer of 2020, and two designs, the Bell 360 INVICTUS and the Sikorsky RAIDER X, are now being further developed. Evaluation tests are to be carried out with both aircraft in autumn 2023, with a start of production from 2028 at the latest.
For FLRAA, there are two applicant teams, Textron’s Bell (with V-280 VALOR) and Sikorsky-Boeing with the DEFIANT X. A pre-selection is to be made at the end of 2022, with delivery of a prototype in mid or late 2025. Regarding the DEFIANT X, Lockheed Martin states: “To deter future conflicts, there must be a transformational improvement in rotorcraft systems capabilities. The speed, range, and manoeuvrability, that X2 technology provides increases the survivability of the aircraft in the future threat environment. The scalability of X2 technology is developed to fit multiple missions – focusing on Multi-Domain Operations connectivity, interoperability, multi-mission applicability and scalability and survivability.”
Also interesting from a German perspective is the Medium Transport Helicopter programme of the German Federal Police. Here, 44 machines are due to be procured. Most recently, the availability of the H215 SUPER PUMA fleet was also a problem there. The project has been out to tender since 2021 and is currently in the bidding phase. Rheinmetall/Sikorsky will probably compete with the S92 and Airbus with the current version of the H225 SUPER PUMA.
Asked for the most important technologies and innovations for rotary wings, Michael Hostetter, Vice President, Boeing Defense, Space & Security in Germany, said: “Future rotorcraft will need to be intelligent, modular and adaptable to improve their capability, availability, affordability and interoperability across the extraordinary range of applications for which they are required, and the range of users.
Intelligent rotorcraft, fully aware of the on-board configuration and condition, can partner with all operators to reduce workload to maximise safety and performance while improving availability and reducing the sustainment burden. Modularity and interoperability enable rapidly outfitting systems in real time for the intended use, optimising the configuration with preferred and available approved components. This is broader than open mission systems and vehicle management, also applying to structure and systems and propulsion and powerplant. Modularity also reduces initial and ongoing acquisition costs, and facilitates upgrades and improvements and new configurations.”
New Orders, Additions and Replacements
Many users are receiving a new generation of aircraft, including:
- the Philippines ordered 32 new BLACKHAWKs
- Saudi Arabia has received its first UH-60M
- the US Army has received its first UH-60V (VICTOR)
- the Polish Special Forces have received more S-70i aircraft
- Sweden is also considering replacing its NH90s with SEAHAWKs and expanding its BLACKHAWK fleet, according to Swedish media reports
- Australia is also likely to replace its 47 NH90s (TAIPAN) with the BLACKHAWKs early
This underlines why the BLACKHAWK is the class leader worldwide. Norway is also looking at a leasing option to supplement its NH-90 fleet with another model. These will be used by the Coast Guard and fill capability gaps of the NH-90. Airbus took orders from France for the new H160 and from Spain for 36 H143s and delivered the first NH90 to Qatar. Austria ordered 18 Leonardo AW169Ms (from 2023) to replace the ALOUETTE 3, and the Colombian Navy has received AW139s. Bahrain has ordered 12 AH-1Z VIPERs, and Israel is the first export customer for the CH-53K after the USMC. India, on the other hand, is receiving its first CH-47 CHINOOK. As for Combat Search & Rescue operations, Italy has received the Leonardo HH-139B.
In December 2021, Spain released €1.2Bn for the further development of the Airbus TIGER Mk III. The timeframe is 2029 to 2037. France has also already committed to the Mk III development. Germany’s commitment is still open, and according to Boeing, there is a parallel request for the AH-64E APACHE GUARDIAN. Australia will also take the TIGER out of service early and replace it with the APACHE. The German Army in particular is still struggling with catastrophic clarity levels with the TIGER. Soon, the oldest machines will have to be phased out again. Key system improvements in the Mk III programme include enhancements to the:
- mast-mounted electro-optical system
- helmet-mounted visual system
- enhanced visual system
- radios
- MUM-T datalinks
- new air-to-ground and air-to-air weapons
- a new avionics suite
- improved protection and countermeasures
- a new navigation system (including GPS and Galileo synchronisation)
- a new tactical data management and battlefield management system.
It would also be conceivable for Germany to join the Americans’ FVL programme and then receive the first aircraft from 2030/35. Until then, however, the TIGER would have to be kept alive. Especially in view of the war in Ukraine, the demand for a quick marketable solution is likely to become greater. The UK has already concluded a cooperation agreement with the USA to obtain information from the FVL programme. This is intended to further develop its own technologies and ensure the interoperability of all platforms between the two states.
Gunships
In the combat helicopter sector, the Netherlands and the UK are upgrading their AH-64D. Moreover, South Korea presented the KAI Marine Attack Helicopter (MAH) at ADEX 2021, a combat helicopter for maritime operations. Here, explicit reference is made to MUM-T capabilities. Australia is also demanding a maritime capability for the TIGER successor. Bell has completed the first of 12 AH-1Z Vipers for Bahrain. Turkey unveiled its own light combat and transport helicopter for the first time in 2018 with the TAI T625 GÖKBEY. Turkey also has a second combat helicopter, the Turkish Aerospace T129 ATAK. This was developed in cooperation with Leonardo and based on the AW129.
Germany planned a Light Utility Helicopter Streitkräfte (LUH SK) project for the Army, Navy and Air Force. This was a training helicopter that would also operate in the Army as a light, weaponised platform below the TIGER. The BMVg (German MoD) has now decided to discard this option. This means that the helicopter will remain a pure training platform. The Airbus H145M is being considered. As a result, the Army will now have to start a new project to fill the gap below the TIGER. Originally, it was planned to equip a portion of the H145Ms for the Army with H-Force in order to have the option for sensors and effectors later on. Especially in the case of combat platforms, the demand for assertiveness is paramount. MUM-T and the wingman and Air Launched Effect (ALE) concepts will play a very important role in this.
Unmanned Platforms
Many armed forces suffer from recruitment problems, with the training of personnel being both expensive and lengthy. In order to reduce the number of personnel and to protect the soldiers, many missions in the future will probably rely more and more on unmanned systems. This will be no different for VTOL platforms. General David Berger, commander of the USMC, recently called for faster progress in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). In addition to UAVs, he had VTOLs for logistical tasks in mind.
The USMC would have to have a balanced fleet of manned and unmanned aircraft in the future, he said. Since 1999, the capabilities have been tested with the Kaman Aerosystems K-MAX, which has been adapted by Lockheed Martin. The K-MAX offers a payload of 2,041 kg and is said to have a payload cost of US$ 1,200/flight hour. It has already been deployed in Afghanistan, as well as from ships. In December 2021, the US Navy deployed the Northrop Grumman MQ-8C FIRE SCOUT from a ship for the first time.
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) presented the unmanned Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) at ADEX 2021. It is based on the Airbus H155 platform and has a 20 mm GATLING gun under its nose tip. It also has an Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor and can carry missile pods on its stubby wings. The Korean Army has a programme of 214 LAHs, to be introduced from 2022/23, and Airbus also anticipates an international requirement of 300 to 400. An unmanned 30-minute flight of a UH-60A BLACKHAWK was announced in February 2022. The aircraft can be piloted either manned or unmanned. At the core of the system is Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy technology.
Igor Cherepinsky, Director of Sikorsky Innovations, said: “Advancements that support autonomous and optionally piloted operations, like Sikorsky’s MATRIX Technology, will change the ways aviators and air crews execute their missions, assisting when flying with reduced crew or limited visibility. MATRIX is like a virtual second pilot that will help operators fly safely and confidently in dangerous and complex missions. It can leverage full authority flight control inputs for autonomous flight – including take-off, route planning, obstacle avoidance, site selection and landing.”
MUM-T
MUM-T offers a number of advantages to the manned aircraft. They also increase range, endurance, flexibility, survivability and overall combat value. For example, the crew of the manned helicopter can control an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) and send it ahead of its flight path to recognise or suppress enemy sensors and effectors. In this way, when the helicopter changes the area of operation, the sensors of the UAS – which is already operating at the final destination – can already be used during the helicopter’s approach in order to obtain a better picture of the situation. This enables the helicopter to immediately begin mission implementation upon arrival at the mission target.
If the UAS have their own effectors, this also increases the penetration capability and range of an attack helicopter, or, thanks to the number of effectors, considerably improves its lethal effect on the target. In this way, the Army aviators will be better able in the future to develop their effect deep into enemy space in support of land force operations, even under threat from enemy air defence systems.
The use of drones will be (partially) automated and supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI). This will also allow the use of swarms without increasing the workload of the crew. The riskier the mission, the more likely it will be taken over or supported by unmanned systems. In addition to the use of drones or wingman, so-called Air Launched Effect are also used. These are launched from the manned aircraft or carried by a wingman UAS.
Michael Hostetter of Boeing Defence Germany states: “[the] APACHE has teamed GRAY EAGLE and Shadow, as well as SCAN EAGLE, and is capable of teaming with others. However, we want to emphasise that the APACHE is the only attack or reconnaissance helicopter with MUM-T capabilities. MUM-T is fully integrated into the APACHE’s display and controls, giving aircrew greater situational awareness and net-centric interoperability – increasing survivability by allowing for early detection and identification of threats on the battlefield.”
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is developing a MUM-T system to be used on helicopters in service with the Republic of Korea’s military. Development should be ready by the end of 2022. Bell has just integrated the ESG’s Mission Management System into a Bell 429 to support MUM-T. Furthermore, the Netherlands are using L3Harris Remotely Operated Video Enhanced Receiver (ROVER) 6i transceivers technology to support their AH-64E with its inherent level 4 MUMT capability. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has integrated MUM-T capabilities in its new MOJAVE-UAS. In Germany, Quantum-Systems GmbH had a MUM-T demonstration using an Airbus H145M together with their VECTOR’s UAS. This UAS offers a flight time of 120 minutes and can operate even under harsh conditions.
Armament and Sensors
A helicopter is actually no more than an airmobile platform, without added value. It is only through its cargo such as Special Forces (SF) or combat vehicles, or its sensors and effectors, that it gains real added value in reconnaissance or combat (air and ground support). For example, the UAE Special Forces has developed a kit to carry (silent, electric) two-wheelers on the UH-60. This increases the SF’s ground mobility without having to resort to a larger aircraft.
For some time now, the SPIKE NLOS guided missile has been used on the UH-60. Now, the SPIKE ER2 has also been integrated on the H145M. The Brazilian Navy has equipped its H225M for Anti-Surface Warfare with the MBDA EXOCET AM39 Block 2 Mod 2 anti-ship missile. The British Navy fired the MARLET from the WILDCAT HMA2 for the first time in June 2021. The MBDA BRIMSTONE is also increasingly being considered as an armament for helicopters and UAVs. A new addition may be the MBDA ENFORCER Air.
Due to strong demand for small, lightweight and affordable precision missile systems suitable for use on light helicopters or tactical UAVs, MBDA Germany GmbH is refining its ENFORCER to meet future requirements. The baseline ENFORCER is a 90 mm-calibre, lock-on before launch (LOBL), “fire & forget”, disposable, day/night, lightweight precision-guided shoulder-launched weapon system. The modular design of the ENFORCER system enables a range of development options, including a prospective “family” of ENFORCERs for land, air and sea applications. Like a smaller and more cost-effective brother of the BRIMSTONE.
New sensors mean increased range or better protection. Hensoldt equips the German NH90 TTH with a new AMPS self-protection system, and the US Air Force is seeking a new missile protection system for its HH-60W JOLLY GREEN II combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) helicopter as an improvement. Italy is using Leonardo’s MAIR Missile Warning System on more and more helicopters. When looking at the topic of sensors, a detection and protection system against small, non-military drones must also be considered in the future. These now pose an ever-growing threat.
