;STRATFORD, Conn.--- Sikorsky Aircraft today rolled out a U.S. Air Force HH-60G PAVE HAWK helicopter in an upgrade configuration that will greatly enhance the aircraft's performance in its vital combat search and rescue mission. ;The HH-60G Upgraded Communication/Navigation/Integrated Electronic Warfare (UCN/IEW) aircraft, also known as the Block 152 upgrade, greatly improves the capability of the aircraft. The HH-60G's primary role is combat search and rescue. The aircrew's task is to locate and retrieve downed pilots in hostile territory. ;The new HH-60G features an enhanced communication and navigation system integrated onto a 1553 data bus. Also installed is an integrated electronic warfare suite which dispenses countermeasures to address missile, laser and radar threats. Integration of these systems onto a 1553 data bus greatly reduces aircrew workload. ;There are currently 105 HH-60Gs in the Air Force inventory. Planning is in place to convert 49 of the existing Pave Hawks to the UCN/IEW configuration via retrofit kits. The prototype aircraft will depart Sikorsky's Stratford facility on June 30 to begin 6 months of test evaluation at Nellis AFB, Nevada. ;Sikorsky and its contractor team developed the UCN/IEW aircraft under contract from Air Combat Command, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center and the Aeronautical System Center at Wright Patterson AFB. ;An external gun mount system supports a .50 cal machine gun in addition to the current 7.62mm minigun and M240 machine gun. The guns can be locked in the fixed forward firing position and controlled by the helicopter pilot. With these new capabilities, the aircrew is better able to locate and retrieve downed pilots and deal with enemy threats at the recovery site. ;Sikorsky PAVE HAWK helicopters are performing search and rescue missions worldwide for the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. ;The long-range PAVE HAWK also has an in-flight refueling probe, increased internal fuel capacity, and a fuel management panel to assist in its long-range missions. Other attributes include upgraded navigation systems and a color weather/mapping radar. ;The PAVE HAWK is a derivative of the UH-60 BLACK HAWK helicopter. BLACK HAWK helicopters are upgraded to the Air Force PAVE HAWK standard. These included color weather/mapping radar, Doppler, INS, SATCOM/ Secure radio systems and two Robertson 185 gallon internal fuel tanks. ;Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., pioneered the helicopter industry and is a world leader in helicopter design and manufacturing.
