US Air Force has officially designated the new combat rescue helicopter (CRH) as the HH-60W. The HH-60W, referred to as the 60-Whisk...
US Air Force has officially designated the new combat rescue helicopter (CRH) as the HH-60W.
The HH-60W, referred to as the 60-Whiskey, will replace HH-60G Pave Hawks which began service in 1982. The official name of the HH-60W will be determined at a later date.
In June 2014, USAF awarded a contract to Sikorsky for eventual production and fielding of up to 112 aircraft with a potential value of approximately $7.9 billion.
Sikorsky will develop a derivative of the UH-60M Black Hawk model for the Air Force's rescue mission. Like the UH-60M helicopter, the aircraft will feature T700-GE-701D engines, composite wide-chord main rotor blades, and fatigue- and corrosion-resistant machined aero-structures to sustain maneuverability at high-density altitudes.
The aircraft will feature increased internal fuel capability, compared with today's HH-60G helicopter, thereby giving the HH-60W the required range, while increasing its internal cabin space.
Initial deliveries are expected to begin in fiscal 2019.
