The modules are set to be integrated with the Mission Computer and Flight Management Computer (MC/FMC) on the US Navy’s fleet of Sikorsky MH-60R/S Seahawk helicopters.

The modules, developed as part of Curtiss-Wright’s modified commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) program, are designed to enable integrators to upgrade individual modules in legacy systems without replacing the entire system.

This is expected to speed delivery of advanced technology to the warfighter.

The initial contract is valued at US$24 million ($31 million), with an estimated lifetime value of US$70 million ($90.4 million).

“Curtiss-Wright’s selection on this upgrade program is representative of our technology leadership in MOSA-based rugged COTS modules, and our ability to rapidly and cost-effectively modernise legacy military platforms with open-standards solutions,” Lynn Bamford, president and CEO of Curtiss-Wright Corporation, said.

According to the firm, the upgrade would bring advanced display graphics capabilities to the Seahawk helicopters, supporting compatibility with existing imaging and display systems and offering enhanced capabilities for future imaging sensors and high-resolution displays.

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Curtiss-Wright’s modules are also tipped to enable integration of the company’s enhanced Trusted and Secure Computing features, supporting system resiliency and secure operation in response to cyber attacks.

Last month, the US Navy awarded a $10 million contract extension to Sikorsky Australia for the local sustainment of the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet of 24 MH-60R Romeo multi-mission helicopters.

The sustainment contract, delivered through a foreign military sales (FMS) agreement with the US Navy, forms part of a broader push to enhance opportunities for Australian industries.

Sikorsky Australia is expected to undertake ongoing sustainment support from its maintenance, logistics and repair facility in Nowra, NSW.

The MH-60R multi-mission helicopters, which first entered service in 2013, provide submarine hunter and anti-surface warfare capability.

The MH-60R is equipped with advanced combat systems, designed to employ Hellfire air-to-surface missiles and the Mark 54 anti-submarine torpedo.

The helicopters are primarily deployed in anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare missions, but are also used for search and rescue, logistics support, personnel transport and medical evacuation.

[Related: Lockheed Martin to ramp up F-35 production]

Charbel Kadib

News Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media

Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres.