Combat SAR - USA

Sikorsky Finally Lands New U.S. Rescue Helo

AIN DEFENSE PERSPECTIVE » JUNE 27, 2014

by  CHRIS POCOCK

Sikorsky will provide the new combat rescue helicopter (CRH) for the U.S. Air Force, based on the UH-60M. (Photo: Sikorsky)

June 27, 2014, 7:15 AM

The long quest by the U.S. Air Force to acquire a new combat rescue helicopter (CRH) appears to have concluded, with Sikorsky’s announcement that it has received an engineering and development (EMD) contract worth an estimated $1.28 billion for a derivative of the UH-60M Black Hawk.

The EMD contract provides for four helicopters, the development and integration of the rescue mission systems and seven aircrew and maintainer training systems. Five more helicopters and training for their crews are on option, for delivery by 2020. Sikorsky said that up to 112 helicopters worth $7.9 billion might eventually be acquired. Lockheed Martin is the major subsystems provider in Sikorsky’s bid.