In a landmark move for naval aviation, the CH-53E Super Stallion, the U.S. Navy’s heavy lift helicopter, has been upgraded with a cutting-edge, tablet-based mission display system. This system marks the first time a fully integrated, commercial off-the-shelf tablet has been used as a primary mission display in naval aircraft, heralding a significant advancement in military avionics.
The installation of the new Mission Data Extender (MDE) system began in December 2023 by the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters Program Office (PMA-261). The initiative not only replaces the helicopter’s aging Smart Multi-Function Color Displays (SMFCDs) but also enhances its operational capabilities, achieving this technological leap at a fraction of the cost and time typically required for such developments.
LCDR Neil Whitesell, the project officer from PMA-261, emphasized the significance of this innovation, stating, “This is a huge step toward open architecture, innovative solutions to mission-data presentation. We did it at low cost, fast, and we provided a major capability improvement to the warfighter.”
The CH-53E’s previous mission displays faced reliability and reparability issues, affecting readiness and availability. The new MDE system, developed in collaboration with Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division (NAWCWD), Tactical Mobility (TacMo) Integrated Project Team (IPT), fleet users, and industry partners, uses a mix of government and commercial off-the-shelf components. This includes a government-developed avionics bus reader, a commercial encrypted wireless link, and the Marine Air-Ground Tablet (MAGTAB) provided by Kranze Technology Solutions.
One of the key innovations is the Informant Mount, developed with Integrated Consultants Incorporated, allowing the MAGTAB to be mounted on the cockpit instrument panel. This setup supports heads-up display of Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) imagery, charges the tablet continuously, and offers easy mount/dismount capabilities. The flexibility of the Informant Mount allows pilots to tailor the display to the mission’s needs, whether mounted on the panel or used as a kneeboard.
The MDE system expands the CH-53E’s mission display capabilities to include new Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) data connectivity. It also integrates with the Link16 and ANW2 DI system, further enhancing the helicopter’s interoperability and data-sharing capabilities.
A new software application was also developed to replicate the legacy hover cueing displays of the SMFCD, delivered to the MAGTAB in a single design sprint by Noetic Inc. This rapid development underscores the potential for swift capability upgrades through Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) concepts, significantly reducing the cost and time needed for future software enhancements.
“The CH-53E now has an aircraft-powered, WiFi-based mission display capable of seamless interoperability with several carry-on data terminals, and capable of walk-on/walk-off expeditionary mission planning,” Whitesell added, highlighting the system’s impact on operational flexibility and readiness.
This initiative not only showcases NAVAIR’s commitment to leveraging organic innovation and rapid fielding but also sets a new standard for avionics upgrades across military aviation platforms. By incorporating commercial technology in a tactical environment, the MDE system represents a significant leap in capability and readiness for the CH-53E Super Stallion, achieved at a fraction of the traditional cost and timeline.
