One of the most important, yet often underappreciated, missions in the U.S. Air Force is combat search and rescue (CSAR). For more than half a century, aircrews have flown in harm’s way sustained by the knowledge that should they be forced down, other Air Force personnel would be coming to rescue them. Maintaining this commitment requires modern platforms with the best equipment. The Air Force is buying a new CSAR helicopter, the HH-60W combat rescue helicopter (CRH) built by Sikorsky. Because the requirements for the HH-60W were frozen in 2012, even before the new platform enters service, it will need upgrades to address growing anti-air threats and expanded mission requirements. A critical upgrade the Air Force should consider is a helmet mounted display (HMD) system. I have written more on the importance of adding an HMD to the HH-60w’s equipment suite here.
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