Final assembly of first HH-60W CRH begins
Sikorsky has started final assembly of the first HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH) for the US Air Force (USAF), the company announced on 20 February.
The final assembly process includes installation of the new tactical mission kit delivered by Lockheed Martin, along with integration of sensors, radar and a new fuel system that features duel internal fuel tanks.
The timing of final assembly positions the programme's first flight for the end of 2018, two months ahead of schedule.
A total of nine aircraft will be built during the engineering manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the programme; four EMD aircraft and five System Demonstration Test Articles.
Tim Healy, director of Sikorsky air force programs, said: ‘The HH-60W will be the most thoroughly networked and connected vertical lift platform ever produced, bringing unrivaled capability in high-threat environments.
'The modern battlespace is an unforgiving place, no one survives on their own, and the HH-60W allows the entire suite of air and space power to be linked and employed in support of combat rescue operations, even in deep and denied territory.’
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