This sensor would allow for the detection of obstacles both enroute to and within landing zones to improve capability in low visibility conditions whether performing combat or domestic rescue operations.

Funding a suite of federated and/or expendable radio frequency countermeasures (RFCM) to operate in a contested environment. The HH-60G/W requires improved chaff to present a larger radar cross section in factor bands with new and emerging threats. Active expendable decoys or small unmanned aerial systems capable of emitting a radar signature and employing jamming techniques will also improve survivability in these environments. Background. HH-60G requires effective radio frequency countermeasures (RFCM) to operate in a contested environment. Current HH-60s rely on a legacy APR-39B(V)2 and RR-180 chaff for the task. As technology has matured, smaller, lighter, cheaper means of expendable RFCM have become available. As a bridge, and potential continuation to HH-60W, the USAF HH-60G community is seeking a suite of federated and/or expendable RFCM. First, improved chaff must present a larger radar cross section (RCS), delivered in factor bands to include millimeter wave, achieving sufficient RCS blooming within the beam width of factor RF threats. Modeling and simulation (M&S) must be conducted to maximize the dispense location, direction, and timing of chaff. Second, active expendable decoys which present an actively emitting radar signature, that enhance survivability through decoy and/or jamming and employ techniques such as digital RF memory (DRFM) are needed. Active expendables can be dispensed via existing ALE-47 architecture or manually by the crew. Active expendables must be persistent enough to enable an escape from the missile engagement zone and must render themselves unclassified upon completion of their task. Third, HH-60Gs are pursuing means of deploying small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS) that conduct an RFCM or electronic attack (EA) effect. SUAS may be carried internally and deployed airborne from the cabin or from the ground by crew or a man-portable launcher. SUAS should be small, lightweight, affordable, and expendable while providing a layered, coordinated, potentially teamed effect. SUAS must also render themselves unclassified upon completion of their task. Finally, HH-60 will consider other means of readily available expendable RFCM, to include towed, or temporarily mounted systems.