The newly ordered Sikorsky HH-60W "Whiskey" USAF rescue heli

[Stratofreighter]

http://www.wpafb.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123432462

11/24/2014 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio -- The Air Force has officially designated the new Combat Rescue Helicopter as the HH-60W.

The need to acquire a new personnel recovery capability resulted in the June 2014 contract award to Sikorsky for eventual production and fielding of up to 112 aircraft with a potential value of approximately $7.9 billion.

"The formal designation of HH-60W for the Combat Rescue Helicopter
is a significant step in the process for replacing the USAF Personnel Recovery fleet of aging HH-60G helicopters,"
said Col. Michael J. Schmidt, PEO for ISR and SOF.

Under the management of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, 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.

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.

Using a tested platform already in production and integrating features currently in use on other aircraft will help control risk according to program officials.
The next major step, System Requirements Review, is scheduled for FY15 and initial deliveries are expected to begin in FY19.