The US Air Force is planning a communications upgrade for its HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopters by replacing the current Link-16 TacNet Tactical Radio with a multi-channel radio capable of supporting simultaneous Link 16 and VHF/UHF voice communications.
According to an Air Force notice, the service is seeking vendors to replace the existing radio — produced by Data Link Solutions — with the KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminal developed by L3Harris Technologies. The upgrade is aimed at meeting requirements for improved operational capability and modernized cryptographic functions that the current TacNet Tactical Radio cannot provide.
L3Harris states that the KOR-24A STT is the only compact multi-channel radio capable of delivering Link 16 connectivity while enabling real-time tactical data exchange and secure voice communications with other Link 16-equipped platforms. The system can simultaneously operate Link 16 alongside VHF/UHF communications or manage two VHF/UHF channels at once. It also remains compatible with legacy narrowband waveforms such as SINCGARS, Have Quick II, and standard VHF/UHF AM/FM signals.
This capability would allow HH-60W rescue helicopters to maintain Link 16 situational awareness with fighter aircraft and airborne warning platforms while still communicating with isolated personnel and ground forces without switching communication modes.
The Air Force initially planned to procure 113 HH-60W helicopters to replace the aging HH-60G Pave Hawk fleet introduced in the early 1980s, though the program was later scaled back to around 85 aircraft. Derived from the Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk, the HH-60W features an advanced communications suite including wideband UHF and narrowband satellite communications, Link 16, a video data link, a situational awareness data link, and automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast.
The helicopter also incorporates an enhanced flight director and upgraded autopilot system that automates functions such as hover hold and go-around maneuvers, easing pilot workload during demanding missions. Compared with the HH-60G, the HH-60W offers improved performance in hot-and-high environments, a larger cabin, and nearly double the internal fuel capacity, significantly extending range and endurance for combat search-and-rescue operations.
