Sikorsky Awarded Contract to Develop New Combat Rescue Helicopter

July 9, 2014

Matthew Monaghan

The U.S. Air Force announced in 2010 that it would replace its aging HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters (shown). The UH-60M derivative to replace the Pave Hawk, also made by Sikorsky, will be the Air Force's new Combat Rescue Helicopter.

Sikorsky Aircraft has been awarded a U.S. Air Force contract to develop new combat search and rescue helicopters. Sikorsky will develop a derivative of the UH-60M Black Hawk model for the Air Force's rescue mission. The award of an estimated $1.28 billion Engineering & Manufacturing Development contract includes development and integration of the rescue mission systems; delivery of four Combat Rescue Helicopters; as well as seven aircrew and maintainer training systems. Initial training of Air Force aircrew and maintainers and five Combat Rescue Helicopters are also expected to be delivered by 2020, once additional aircraft and training options are exercised. The UH-60M derivative features increased internal fuel capability, compared with today's HH-60G helicopter, thereby giving the CRH-60 the required range, while increasing its internal cabin space. 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 aerostructures to sustain maneuverability at high density altitudes.