Modernizing the Army's utility helicopter fleet to meet objective force requirements

Abstract

The purpose of this MBA Project was to recommend force development solutions, in terms of capabilities, to meet the United States Army's future utility helicopter requirements. The last thorough review of requirements for the utility helicopter fleet of the future was conducted in 2000. This project focuses on changes that have occurred in the Army since then, and the extent to which various alternative courses of action address those changes. The report begins by briefly considering changes in the Army's operational environment. Next the authors consider what the requirements will be for the utility helicopter as the Army transitions from its current posture to the Objective Force. The study then considers possible materiel alternatives to fulfill the Objective Force requirements. These alternatives are to develop a new aircraft, use an aircraft that is already in production, or to improve the UH-60. The authors conclude that it is technically risky but feasible and cost effective to improve the UH-60 so that it can meet minimum future requirements, while a new aircraft acquisition option offers better performance and suitability at incrementally increasing costs.