The Future is Now: The TH-73A Transition

The Future is Now: The TH-73A Transition

By LT Hailey “Pug” Brunette, USN, Instructor Pilot with HT-18

The next generation of helicopter training platforms has arrived and is being rolled out at NAS Whiting Field. Leonardo began delivery of the TH-73A “Thrasher” in 2022, with the HITU training Conversion Instructor Pilots (CIPs). Once enough Instructor Pilots were trained to begin production, HT-8 began their transition, which completed in 2023. HT-18 is the second squadron to transition, and is approximately halfway through the process.

The Vigilant Eagles winged their first TH-73A Naval Aviator in April of 2024, just as the total number of designated aviators passed 37,000. At the time of this article, there are 84 TH-73As on the flight line, approximately equal to the number of TH-57As. The conversion process is driven by the average number of “up” or mission capable aircraft available each week. HT-18 has stopped loading TH-57 students and expects to wing their last Bell student in November 2024. Simultaneously, the Eagles are increasing their number of TH73A students and IPs.

Under current projections, the final squadron to transition, HT-28, will begin training CIPs in October 2024, anticipating their first TH-73A Student Naval Aviators (SNAs) in January 2025. Expected completion of the transition is October 2025.

TH-73A students who have completed the syllabus and received their Wings of Gold are currently at their respective Fleet Replacement Squadrons and will reach the Fleet shortly. While there has been no official feedback on notable differences of the training delivered by the two aircraft, the CIPs are hopeful that the TH-73A students will have a smoother transition to Fleet aircraft.

The TH-73A boasts a larger engine than the TH-57. The TH-73A's PT-6B-37A can deliver 1000 shaft horsepower compared to the TH-57's Rolls Royce 250-C20J, governed at 317 shaft horsepower. This additional horsepower provides improved range and maneuverability. It also has modern systems such as a Flight Director and Glass Cockpit. With increased performance and hardware changes including a new rescue hoist, a rigid rotor head, a crew belt, and a cargo hook, the hope is this capability which mirrors Fleet systems will allow for a seamless transition to Fleet aircraft.

The Thrasher is suited to teach students the basics, such as hovering without assistance and full autorotations, maneuvers that define helicopter pilots, while also bringing the next generation of aviators up to speed with Fleet systems earlier. This integration is needed in a time when we are preparing our Fleet Replacement Pilots for the future fight, and any time saved in training is critical in gaining the edge on a potential foe.