Analysis of Coast Guard Hh-65 Engine Reliability

The Coast Guard HH-65 helicopter experienced 31 in-flight loss of power incidents during FY 2003 and 21 during the first two months of FY 2003. Concurrent with this apparent decrease in reliability, the Coast Guard seeks ways to expand the HH-65's Airborne Use of Force capabilities as a result of the September 11th, 2001 terrorists' attacks. This study is an exploratory, empirical analysis of engine and airframe component replacements as related to engine mishaps and reliability in the HH-65. We use contingency table analysis, ordinary least squares regression, and logistic regression to examine the mishap history and component replacement history of ten different HH-65 components from 1997 through March of 2003. Additionally, we examine the literature to determine the factors impeding improvements to the HH-65 powerplant. This study reveals three critical issues associated with the HH-65 powerplant, namely, lack of power reserve associated with the LTS-101-750, poor reliability associated with the fuel-control system, and excessive trouble removals due to excessive time between scheduled overhaul times. Moreover, we find lack of funding and political pressure forcing the Coast Guard toward a less than optimum fix that could adversely affect overall mission effectiveness and Homeland Security.