RW provides the Army Special Operations Aviation Command and 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) (SOAR (A)) with the most advanced RW aircraft, mission equipment, and training systems available. To accomplish this critical mission, RW focuses on readiness, advanced technologies, and life-cycle logistics ensuring the 160th SOAR (A) maintains a comparative advantage against all potential threats. Along with the Technology Applications Program Office (TAPO) and Product Manager SOF Training Systems, RW supports a three-part acquisition strategy: Technology recapitalization; lethality and survivability upgrades; and planning for the future of SOF vertical lift. These strategies resulted in PEO-RW successfully executing more than $475M to develop, deliver, and sustain the SOF helicopter fleet in FY23. 

MOBILITY: 

RW mobility includes the light assault/attack A/MH-6 Mission Enhanced Little Bird (MELB), medium assault MH-60M Blackhawk, and heavy assault MH-47G Chinook. The MELB PMO began the airworthiness and flight characteristic testing efforts on the A/MH-6R, including airframe shells induction and cockpit upgrades with expected Block 6R deliveries. The MH-60M PMO continued aircraft deliveries of the Block 1 modification, providing aircrew improved situational awareness along with increased payload availability and reliability for SOF Operators. Additionally, the MH-60 PMO initiated engineering and planning efforts for the Block 2 modification beginning in FY29. This includes the replacement of a SOF-Peculiar YT706 engine with an Army-Common T901 Improved Turbine Engine reducing P11 Flying Hour Costs. The MH-47G PMO awarded several major contracts supporting the MH-47G Block II program, including negotiating a ~$600 million contract to procure up to 12x MH-47G Block II aircraft. 

MISSION EQUIPMENT (ME): 

ME provides SOF-unique capabilities through various development, modification, and upgrade efforts supporting aircraft survivability, avionics, navigation, sensors, and weapons. The efforts include the Degraded Visual Environment Pilotage System (DVEPS), Improved Rotary-wing Electro-Optical Sensor, Mission Processor Upgrades, Infrared Countermeasures, Aircraft Survivability Equipment, and Tactical Mission Networking. The ME PMO completed the development of DVEPS capability and began operational fielding. In collaboration with PEO-Tactical Information Systems, the ME PMO also completed the development 

of the Next Generation Tactical Communications suite of radios and began its operational fielding. This fielding supported the development and fielding of Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) version 9.0 and other aircraft nhancements. Furthermore, the ME team continued its efforts aiming to reduce pilot cognitive workload. 

SIMULATORS: 

PM Special Operations Forces Training Systems delivered multiple improvements to the A/MH-6, MH-60, and MH-47 Combat Mission Simulators (CMS). These improvements supported the 160th SOAR (A) and key avionics testing events. Key improvements included the DVEPS integration in all MH-47 and MH-60 simulators. The CMS DVEPS installation supported development of pilot training curriculum ahead of DVEPS fielding. The PMO team replaced one mylar display screen for the MH-47 Simulator and five obsolete motion system computers. The CMS also supported testing the latest CAAS operational flight program software prior to fielding release. 

SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES: 

Fielded 9 Block 1.0 MH-60Ms (increases aircraft control rotor capability). Funded various A/MH-6 hardware (Modifications to lightweight planks & antennas) and software solutions to improve reliability and maintainability, correct deficiencies, address obsolescence, and incorporate mission critical capabilities. 

Fielded 12 MH-47G Block II aircraft to the 160th SOAR (A) ramp. 

Negotiated Lot 6 & 7 production contract for up to 12 MH-47G BLK II with significant performance upgrades. 

Fielded 21 Small Tactical Terminal radios (in collaboration w/PEO-Tactical Information Systems).