Revitalizing a Legacy: The Remaining Future of the CH-46E

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA504342 | Open PDF

Abstract:

For over 40 years, the Marine Corps has relied on the CH-46E Sea Knight, or Phrog, as their primary rotary-winged assault support aircraft. Through the years, the Sea Knight has proven itself in every topography, climate, and mission it has supported. While the service life has been extended another 12 years, the future versatility of the venerable helicopter is in jeopardy. Already, the results of doubling its 20-year projected service life are escalating maintenance costs, reduced reliability, availability, maintainability, and significant performance degradation. These well-documented problems will continue to shift focus away from the CH-46 as the primary choice for tactical assault support missions. Therefore, the future CH-46E community will be restricted from performing tactical missions unless necessary airframe upgrades are performed.

Author(s):
Smith, R. A.
Author Organization(s):
MARINE CORPS COMMAND AND STAFF COLL QUANTICO VA
Descriptive Note:
Research paper
Supplementary Note:
EWS Contemporary Issues Paper. DOI: 10.21236/ADA504342
Pagination:
0012

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
USMC/CSC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_4.7.2_Installation Services; JCA_4.7_Base and Installations Support; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution; JCA_4.3_Maintain; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_8.2.4_Leverage Capacities and Capabilities of Security Establishments
Communities of Interest:
Air Platforms
Descriptor(s):
*LIFE EXPECTANCY(SERVICE LIFE), *RELIABILITY, *MILITARY CAPABILITIES, *HELICOPTERS, *TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT, *MAINTAINABILITY, *PERFORMANCE(ENGINEERING), MISSIONS, REPLACEMENT, AVAILABILITY, OPERATIONAL READINESS, DEGRADATION
Field(s)/Group(s):
Helicopters, Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics
Keyword(s):
*CH 46E AIRCRAFT, *SERVICE LIFE EXTENSION PROGRAM, *AIRCRAFT UPGRADES, ASSAULT SUPPORT AIRCRAFT, PERFORMANCE UPGRADES, ENGINE RELIABILITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, MV 22 AIRCRAFT, REVITALIZATION
Report Date:
2005 Feb 08
Creation Date:
2009 Sep 09