UH-60M Patient Handling System - SBIR Topic ARM26BX04-DV009

Funding Amount:

$2,000,000

Deadline to Apply:

August 19th, 2026

Objective:

This topic will explore optimizing the UH-60M interior to provide improved capability over the existing HH-60M in terms of survivability, functionality, and patient access by designing a modular Patient Handling System (PHS) that could be tailored to fit a multitude of aircraft.

Description:

All U.S. Army COMPOs face a technical problem concerning the ability to augment the MEDEVAC fleet to reach the end strength goal of 446 MEDEVAC aircraft.

The capability gap is driven by the reduction of the HH-60M fleet numbers, cancellation of the UH-60V program, and the divestment of the UH-60L MEDVAC variant.

A new MEDEVAC PHS is required to support a MEDEVAC capability on the UH-60M aircraft and support the end strength goal of 446 MEDEVAC aircraft.

The UH-60M aircraft will require an all-new technological solution that does not currently exist due to the design differences of the internal cabin structure between the UH-60M and HH-60M aircraft.

PHASE I:

This topic is accepting Direct to Phase II submissions for a cost limit up to $2,000,000 and a 12-18-month period of performance.

In order for proposers to submit a DP2 proposal, they must provide the justification documentation to substantiate that the scientific and technical merit and feasibility described above has been met and describes the potential military and/or commercial applications.

Documentation should include all relevant information including, but not limited to:

• Technical reports.

• Test data.

• Prototype designs/models.

• Performance goals/results.

(DIRECT TO) PHASE II:

During Phase II, in addition to the standard SRR, PDR, and CDR reports, key milestones for this effort will include:

• Solid Models of new I/PHS design.

• Airworthiness Qualification Specification (AQS) for the new design.

• Technology Demonstrator/Prototype of the new design.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS:

The optimized, lightweight Patient Handling System will lend itself to commercial medical evacuation missions on aircraft, ground vehicles, and developing heavy lift Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

Specific to the aircraft market collectively known as Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), there are over 1,000 aircraft serving this mission in the United States, providing critical transports to nearly 300,000 patients annually.

Further broken down, there is an estimated 230,000 critical care transports by ground vehicles, and 40,000 by fixed wing aircraft.

The opportunity nearly triples when the global HEMS fleet is considered.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

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