USAF Hopes To Field Operational Combat Rescue Aircraft In 2021

The U.S. Air Force says that it plans to conduct flight tests of the new HH-60W Combat Rescue Aircraft in 2019, with an operational aircraft flying and full production underway by 2023.

The aircraft, designed as a replacement for the HH-60G Pave Hawk, "increases maneuverability and increases range, payload and performance in all areas," Lt. Col. Regan Patrick, HH-60G pilot, told Fox News.

Sikorsky was awarded a contract to build the follow-on aircraft, called the CRH, in June of last year. The initial deal was valued at $1.2 billion for engineering and manufacturing development. The first phase of the program is supposed to deliver four aircraft and seven training systems, according to CRH deputy program manager Shelly Larson in a report appearing on military.com.

The overall value of the contract is nearly $8 billion. The CRH team is currently preparing for an aircraft system requirements review in April of this year. The preliminary design of the aircraft will be assessed in December 2016.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.sikorsky.com