The Air Force Materiel Command’s (AFMC) Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex at Robins AFB, Ga., is conducting market research to determine whether the command will be able to use commercial sources to repair the altimeter for the Air Force TH-1H training helicopter.
The service has 28 Bell [TXT] TH-1Hs at Cairns Field at Ft. Rucker, Ala., to train prospective Air Force helicopter pilots. The TH-1H is a renovated UH-1H with a digital cockpit, a more powerful engine, and a new nose and tail boom.
The Horizon Aerospace altimeter for the TH-1H “is a servo-controlled instrument which measures altitude by dial indication transmitted by synchro from a remote source,” per a sources sought notice on Nov. 1. “The transmitted altitude may be pressure altitude as derived from an air data computer or other suitable transmitter. It employs a zero setting system to permit the altimeter to be set at zero altitude at an existing ground level. The item incorporates an automatic standby feature which will revert to direct static pressure actuation, indicated by a
warning signal in the event of electrical malfunctions or at the pilot’s option.”
“The item is designed for use in aircraft where accuracy is required to meet altitude separation requirements,” AFMC said. “This assembly has special characteristics which, if not conforming to the original design of the part, could cause failed functionality of the altimeter. Because of the complexity of this item and the lack of proprietary data, including test procedures, it is in the best interest of the government to seek existing commercial capabilities to meet this agency need rather than to independently establish the required technical data to perform this work-scope organically.”
AFMC said that the TH-1H’s glass cockpit and other upgrades allow prospective Air Force helicopter pilots to transition easily from the TH-1H “to a follow-on rotary wing aircraft such as the HH-60G Pave Hawk, CV-22, and future Combat Search and Rescue-X helicopters.”