The US Air Force plans to upgrade the HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopters by replacing their current Link 16 TacNet Tactical Radio (TTR) with a multi-channel radio that supports simultaneous Link 16 and VHF/UHF voice communications.
According to a notice, potential vendors are being sought to replace the TTR — produced by Data Link Solutions — with L3Harris Technologies’ KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminal (STT).
The effort is intended to address validated requirements for “advanced capability and cryptographic modernization” for the rotorcraft, which the existing TTR cannot support.
“The current TTR is not currently capable of incorporating these required updates, which will lead to the HH-60W being denied access to the Link-16 network and facing significant operational limitations and supply challenges,” the notice stated.
“This modification will resolve these issues by providing a modernized, compliant, and sustainable Link-16 capability, ensuring HH-60W crews can operate effectively in modern contested environments.”
KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminal
According to L3Harris, the KOR-24A STT is the world’s only multi-channel radio capable of delivering Link 16 communications in a compact form factor, enabling real-time tactical data and secure voice exchange with other Link 16-enabled platforms.
The terminal supports simultaneous operation of VHF/UHF and Link 16 — or two channels of VHF/UHF — and is interoperable with legacy narrowband waveforms such as SINCGARS, Have Quick II, and VHF/UHF AM/FM.
This allows a rescue helicopter like the HH-60W to maintain Link 16 situational awareness with fighters and airborne warning and control aircraft while communicating with isolated personnel and ground forces, without switching modes or losing connectivity.
HH-60W Jolly Green II
The US Air Force initially planned to acquire 113 HH-60W helicopters to replace its fleet of 99 HH-60G Pave Hawks introduced in the early 1980s, but later reduced the planned buy to roughly 85 aircraft.
Based on the UH-60M Black Hawk, the Sikorsky HH-60W Jolly Green II features an upgraded communications suite that includes wideband UHF and narrowband satellite communications, Link 16, a video data link, a situational awareness data link, and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast.
It is equipped with an advanced flight director and improved autopilot that automate maneuvers such as hover hold and go-arounds, reducing pilot workload during critical missions.
Compared to the HH-60G, the HH-60W delivers improved hot-and-high performance, a larger cabin, and roughly double the internal fuel capacity, increasing range and endurance for combat search-and-rescue operations.
These enhancements position the HH-60W for more effective, reliable performance in future rescue missions.
