USMC Concepts & Programs 2013 - Defense Innovation Marketplace

USMC Concepts & Programs 2013
Operational Impact
The MV-22B is becoming the cornerstone of Marine
Corps assault support capability, with the speed,
endurance, and survivability needed to fight and win
on tomorrow’s battlefield. This combat multiplier
represents a quantum improvement in strategic mobility
and tactical flexibility for expeditionary forces.
The Osprey has a 325-nautical mile combat radius,
can cruise at 262 knots, and is capable of carrying 24
combat-equipped Marines or a 12,500-pound external
load. With a 2,100 nautical-mile single-aerial refueling
range, the aircraft also has a strategic self-deployment
capability.
Program Status
The Marine Corps transition from the CH-46E to
the MV-22B continues at the approximate rate of 3 Ospreys
delivered per month and two squadrons transitioned
per year. Production of the MV-22B is based on
a block production strategy, which is designed to provide
continual lifecycle and capability improvements
throughout the lifetime of the platform.
Block A aircraft are designed to serve as non-deployable
training aircraft, and they include software
enhancements, a nacelle reconfiguration, and additional
reliability and maintainability improvements
compared to the original aircraft design. As of January
2013, 30 Block A aircraft have been delivered and are
primarily in service at Marine Corps Air Station New
River.
Block B aircraft are the deployable configuration
of the MV-22B Osprey. These aircraft provide improvements
in effectiveness and maintainability for
operators and maintainers, including improved access
to the nacelle for inspection purposes and substantial
reliability and maintenance improvements across the
entire platform. As of January 2013, 108 Block B aircraft
have been delivered to the fleet.
Block C aircraft incorporate mission enhancements
and increased operational capability. Enhancements
include weather radar, a forward-firing
ALE-47 dispenser, improved hover coupled features,
an improved environmental conditioning system, and
a troop commander situational awareness station. As
of January 2013, 31 Block C aircraft have been delivered
to the fleet.
Procurement Profile: FY 13 FY 14
Quantity:
Block C 17 18
Developer/Manufacturer:
Bell Helicopter Textron, Fort Worth, TX
The Boeing Company, Philadelphia, PA
H-1 Upgrades
(UH-1Y Venom/AH-1Z Viper)
Description
The H-1 program (UH-1Y/AH-1Z) replaces the
current two-bladed rotor system on the UH-1N and
AH-1W aircraft with new four-bladed, all-composite
rotor systems coupled with a sophisticated, fully integrated,
state-of-the-art cockpit in both aircraft models.
The UH-1Y and AH-1Z also incorporate new performance-matched
transmissions, a four-bladed tail rotor,
and upgraded landing gear. Additionally, structural
modifications to the AH-1Z provide the aircraft six
weapons stations, two more than on the AH-1W. The
advanced cockpit common to both aircraft reduces
182