Integration of US Army Command and Control Systems into a UH-60 Blackhawk

UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter-based Command and Control (C2) system has been developed for the US Army that provides a commander with a mobile platform from which to plan and execute missions. Two aircraft were rapidly developed and fielded to determine the practical technological limits of rotorcraft-based C2 systems and to refine requirements for production systems. Technical development of this system meant achieving a delicate balance of operational performance requirements, system weight, and overall airworthiness. The resulting design has the capability to host five battle staff, remain airborne for 3.5 hours, and to provide all critical C2 functions and communications. Some of the technological challenges that needed to be overcome included development of flexible computer systems suitable for integration into a helicopter, modification of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) systems to ensure airworthiness, and co-site mitigation systems to permit simultaneous operation of 19 or more radios and navigation systems on a single platform.