Multi-Mission Cutter Helicopter

MH-65D
MH-65D, latest iteration of MH-65 helicopter platform.

The Multi-Mission Cutter Helicopter (MCH) will perform search and rescue, law enforcement and homeland security missions.
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Status

To date, the Coast Guard has configured and delivered 43 MH-65Cs, which includes the installation of Airborne Use of Force (AUF) equipment kits.

Developmental in-flight testing on the latest iteration of the MH-65 helicopter platform, the MH-65D, began on March 23 at the Coast Guard Aviation Logistics Center (ALC) in Elizabeth City, N.C. The MH-65D will feature a new flight navigation system which is common to DOD helicopters and replaces the current compass, directional, yaw rate gyro systems, and GPS system.

The ALC Short Range Recovery Product Line's Project Branch, working with avionics manufacturer Rockwell Collins, began Developmental Test and Evaluation on February 10. The prototype MH-65D aircraft, tail number CG6543, successfully completed its first post-modification test flight on March 17. Initial Operating Capacity is expected to be reached during the 3rd quarter of FY10.

Learn more about the MCH project >>

Latest News Releases

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As Coast Guard Aviation Celebrates 93rd Birthday, Acquisition and Engineering Communities Reflect on Recent Successes

WASHINGTON—As the 93rd anniversary of Coast Guard flight approaches on April 1, the service’s aviation program office and its partners look back on a successful period of overcoming complex acquisition challenges to help ensure that the aircraft and mission equipment of the front line air stations is “always ready.” Read more>>

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Rotary Wing Electro-Optical Sensor System Exemplifies Disciplined Approach to Acquisition

On June 10, Coast Guard Acquisition Program Executive Officer, Rear Adm. Ronald J. Rábago, authorized procurement of 69 Star SAFIRE Electro-optical Sensor Systems (ESS), which will be installed on H-65 and H-60 rotary wing aircraft. Read more>>

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