Initial $24 Million Value Rising to $70 Million Lifetime Value

Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions has been selected by Lockheed Martin to provide its Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) computers and video processing modules to upgrade mission and flight management computers on the US Navy’s MH-60R/S SEAHAWK helicopters, the company announced on 7 June. Shipments began last December.

The use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)-based MOSA solutions and commercial best practices will deliver cost-effective new capabilities and support more economical and timely upgrades of the helicopter’s avionics systems. Curtiss-Wright’s selection on this upgrade programme is representative of its ability to rapidly and cost-effectively modernise legacy military platforms with open-standards solutions. The initial contract is valued at $24 million (€19.7 million), with an estimated lifetime value of $70 million.

“This agreement, which further strengthens the long and successful relationship we have with Lockheed Martin, highlights Curtiss-Wright’s ability to enhance interoperability and improve cost efficiencies with electronics systems that adhere to the DoD’s mandate for a modular open architecture approach,” commented Chris Wiltsey, SVP and General Manager.

The MH-60R/S MC/FMC upgrade will bring advanced display graphics capabilities to this important helicopter platform, providing compatibility with existing imaging and display systems and offering enhanced capabilities for future imaging sensors and high-resolution displays. The COTS modules also enable integration of Curtiss-Wright’s enhanced trusted and secure computing features to ensure system resilience and secure operation in response to cyber attacks.