engagements with an AGM-114 Hellfire missile. The exercises conducted during COMPTUEX, JTFEX, and Sustainment Exercises (SUSTEX) prior to deployment helped develop a new generation of tactics, techniques and procedures for numerous mission areas using the M-197. CSG 11 departed San Diego in April 2013, marking the first operational deployment of the M-197. Training and integration continued with a live fire exercise with the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), successfully demonstrating safe and effective integration and showing proof of a concept that integrated the M-197, airborne crew served weapons, and shipboard point defense systems. During the course of deployment, HSC-6 operated in both the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet area of operations. The M-197 was carried on four transits through the Strait of Hormuz, providing CSG 11 with a viable weapon in the event that a kinetic scenario developed. HSC-6 continues to train crews and explore, develop, and redefine the tactics, techniques, and procedures developed during their initial training. The MH-60S is redefining the frontline in the armed helicopter program for the U.S. Navy. As we continue to counter the ever-changing capabilities of the adversary, the MH-60S and the Romeo/Sierra team will evolve and improve the game changing tactics, techniques, and procedures already established. The Indians look forward to returning home and sharing these lessons learned with the fleet to improve the employment effectiveness and the capabilities of this new weapon system.
Forward F iring Cannon Makes e as t c oas t de but with dusty dogs > Article by LTJG Justin Vitalis, USN
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eginning in March of 2012, HELSEACOMBATRON SEVEN (HSC-7) will be the first East Coast HSC squadron to receive and deploy with the M197 20mm Automatic Gun System. Using the External Weapon System (EWS) that is currently employed for AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, the cannon will be mounted on the left side of the aircraft. Ammunition will be kept inside the cabin and fed to the weapon through an environmental barrier that attaches to the cabin door, allowing it to close during flight and refueling operations. The M197 has a maximum fire rate of 1,500 rounds per minute, and will weigh approximately 430 pounds when completely assembled. The weapon system also incorporates a boresighted IZLID 1000P-W Laser Target Marker (LTM) to assist with targeting at night. Further aircraft modifications include replacing the Weapons Release trigger with a two-detent trigger to activate the laser and fire the cannon. Just below the AFCS Control Panel, a Gun Control Panel will be installed to be the primary interface to the 20mm Automatic Gun System. It contains controls to arm and safe the laser and weapon, displays the number of rounds remaining, and indicates if a system fault has occurred. The M197 will enhance the war-fighting capability of the MH-60S and will primarily be used during anti-surface warfare missions. There will certainly be questions about how to best use the M197 to complement Hellfire and crew-served weapons. The Dusty Dogs will be sure to document our lessons learned so that when the M197 comes to your squadron, you can benefit from our experience.
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he M197 will enhance the war-fighting capability of the MH-60S and will primarily be used during anti-surface warfare missions. There will certainly be questions about how to best use the M197 to complement Hellfire and crew-served weapons.
Rotor Review # 122 Fall ‘13
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