Ways of modernization and prospects for helicopters A / MH-6M US Special Operations Forces

The US Special Operations Forces Command is making plans for the further development of its helicopter fleet. In the distant future, completely new helicopters are expected to appear, and with their help they plan to replace the existing equipment of old types. At the same time, one of the main USSOCOM helicopters - the multi-purpose A / MH-6 Little Bird - is unlikely to receive a replacement. On the contrary, new upgrades await him, with the help of which he will be able to remain in service, at least until the mid-thirties.

Today and tomorrow

All MTR rotorcraft serve as part of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment). According to known data, its four squadrons have 65-67 heavy helicopters MH-67G Chinook, more than 70 medium MH-60M Black Hawk and approx. 50 light multipurpose A/MH-6M Little Bird.



Currently, the Future Vertical Lift program is being carried out at the initiative of the Pentagon. Its goal is to create several promising helicopters with improved performance and economic characteristics. The resulting machines will have to replace the current helicopters in all major structures of the US armed forces, incl. in SSO.

Recently, the SOFIC-2022 conference was held in the United States, dedicated to the development of the Special Operations Forces. During this event, plans for the development of the helicopter fleet were revealed in the light of the emergence of new projects of the FVL series. As it turns out, SOCOM is interested in this program, but the results of its implementation will be limited.



One of the components of the FVL program is the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) project, aimed at creating a medium multi-purpose helicopter in the class of the existing UH-60. By the beginning of the thirties, the MTR plans to develop a special version of such a machine to suit their requirements. After 2033-35 such a helicopter will replace the existing MH-60M Black Hawk, which will give the MTR certain technical and operational benefits.

The other two helicopters of the 160th MTR Regiment will have to keep their place. In the next 12-15 years they will not be replaced, but it is proposed to carry out several successive upgrades in order to improve performance. The reasons for this are simple. As part of the FVL program, helicopters are not being developed that can become a full-fledged replacement for the Chinook and Birds.

Small and versatile

The multi-purpose A / MH-6M Little Bird, also known as the Killer Egg (“Killer Egg” - for the characteristic shape of the fuselage), is the lightest helicopter in service with the MTR. In terms of tactical and technical characteristics, it is inferior to other helicopters of the 160th regiment, but compares favorably with them in the presence of a number of characteristic capabilities and functions performed.

Helicopter A / MH-6M is small in size and weight. The total length of the machine does not exceed 10 m, the diameter of the main rotor is 8,4 m. The mass of an empty helicopter does not exceed 750 kg. With the help of a 425 hp turboshaft engine. the helicopter develops a speed of 200-250 km/h and shows a range of more than 400-420 km.



The small size and weight give the helicopter significant operational advantages. It features improved maneuverability and is less demanding on landing sites. According to operating experience, the A / MH-6M is often called a “street fighter” - for the ability to fly and land in urban areas. In addition, a small helicopter can be directly loaded into a C-130 military transport aircraft and delivered to the take-off site.

In terms of takeoff and landing and maneuverability, the A/MH-6M outperforms all other vehicles of the 160th Regiment. In addition, it is already clear that the existing and developed helicopters of the FVL program will also be inferior to the light Little Bird.

Any "Little Bird" can be used in one of two configurations. The first involves the transportation of fighters and cargo inside the cabin or on outdoor devices. Transportation of six people or cargo weighing 690 kg is allowed. In this form, the helicopter is designated as MH-6M.

It is also possible to install weapons, after which the machine "turns" into the AH-6M. In this form, the helicopter carries two machine guns of normal or large caliber. It is also possible to install two units with unguided rockets Hydra 70 or guided missiles AGM-114 or FIM-92. Installation of weapons and related equipment takes minimal time and is not difficult.

Ways of modernization

The first version of the A / MH-6 was adopted by the US Army in general and the 160th Regiment in particular in the early eighties. In the future, as necessary, certain upgrades were carried out. Modification A / MH-6M, designed to meet the requirements of the MTR, appeared in the middle of the tenth years. Soon there was another update.


The current fleet of Little Bird helicopters in the MTR corresponds to the A / MH-6M Block 2.2 version. It differs from previous modifications and variants with a new design rotor, a reinforced and more durable airframe, larger fuel tanks, etc. The electronic and optical equipment was also updated.

Next year, the MTR plans to begin upgrading available helicopters under the Block 3.0 project. First of all, it is proposed to replace the old airframes with a depleted resource. Boeing will manufacture new designs and transfer all standard units to them. Also developed and will be introduced a new rotor of larger diameter, designed to improve flight performance.

Update of avionics and cockpit equipment has been announced. By replacing part of the instruments, they plan to increase unification with other helicopters of the 160th regiment. Later, in 2024, optoelectronic units will be replaced. Perhaps in the future there will be new small upgrades.

In 2033-34 a new major upgrade project may appear, so far designated as Block 4. The requirements for such a modification have not yet been determined, but possible directions for development are already known. So, the helicopter can get a hybrid power plant with optimization of flight modes, a new replacement of avionics and weapons, etc. is possible. However, for now, all this remains at the level of general discussions, and the real terms of reference for the Block 4 project will appear only by the end of the twenties.

Until the mid thirties

Currently, the Pentagon is drawing up and updating plans for the development of the army's helicopter fleet for the next 10-20 years. The leading role in them is given to the promising FVL program, which will result in several new types of vehicles of different classes. At the same time, the program does not yet allow closing all existing niches, as a result of which it will be necessary to continue the operation of available equipment.

One of the samples without a potential direct replacement at the moment is the A / MH-6M multi-purpose helicopter operated by the Special Operations Forces. The command takes this into account - and draws up appropriate plans. Due to the lack of alternatives, such equipment will be kept in service and will be upgraded as necessary.

USSOCOM has already determined the path for the development of existing Little Bird in the coming years and has drawn up a schedule for their modernization. In addition, a long-term perspective is being studied, up to the middle of the next decade. This shows that in the next decade and a half, the A / MH-6M will remain part of the 160th Special Operations Regiment and perform their assigned tasks.

Moreover, the upcoming replacement of the airframe and the extension of the resource will allow the use of such equipment later. Whether a newer replacement for it will appear will become clear only by the mid-thirties. In the meantime, the main task of the Pentagon and the MTR is the implementation of current plans for existing helicopters of all types.