SUPPORT OF THE HH-65A THE IMPACT OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY OF VTOL SYSTEMS UPON EXISTING PRODUCT SUPPORT

The USCG has responded to the challenge of introducing a new advanced performance helicopter into their short range rescue operations with some innovative changes in their support concept. Many of these changes result directly from the advanced nature of the equipment's technology itself, while other support innovations reflect lessons learned from the unique Coast Guard operational environment and selected military or commercial aircraft support experience. This paper will describe a few examples of the re-shaping of previous USCG support concepts to accommodate the Aerospatiale HH-65A SRR Helicopter. The examples selected are: 1) A Reliability Assurance Warranty (RAW) Program for support of a state-of-the-art digital avionics system where the equipment being phased out is 30 years old vacuum tube era technology. 2) A level of repair for turbine engine is where the design concept features modularity of major components which can be replaced at operational sites. 3) Responding to the challenge for field repair of light weight, corrosive resistant composite materials used in aircraft structures and dynamic components. 4) Recognizing the need for the manufacturer and the operating organization to jointly plan, fund, and repair an adequate range of spare components for each operational site.