The US Air Force is to unveil a low-risk development strategy for its planned new medium-lift helicopter, to enable it to field a replacement combat search-and- rescue (CSAR) capability as early as possible.
To be announced on 4 March, the USAF's acquisition strategy for the new Personnel Recovery Vehicle (PRV) calls for a contractor to deliver between three and five test machines and up to 132 production aircraft to replace the Special Operations Command's ageing fleet of around 105 Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawks. The air force plans to issue a solicitation for the requirement later this year, with the contest expected to involve aircraft such as the Sikorsky S-92, Lockheed Martin/AgustaWestland US101 and NH Industries NH90.
To accelerate availability of the PRV capability, aircraft delivered in the initial "Block 0" configuration will share the same weapon system capabilities as the HH-60Gs they are intended to replace, according to new air force acquisition documents. The Block 0 standard will also be required to use off-the-shelf hardware and software in an attempt to reduce programme risk.
The air force also plans to test up to two PRVs in a so-called "Block 10" configuration after its first aircraft have been fielded.
Source: Flight International
