HH-60W arrive for developmental testing
Two HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopters have arrived at US Air Force Eglin Air Force Base in Florida where they will begin developmental testing.
The aircraft will be put through their paces by the 413th Flight Test Squadron.
Based on the US Army’s UH-60M helicopter, the aircraft is modified to perform missions locating and rescuing downed pilots in hostile territory.
The air force is contracted to purchase 113 HH-60W aircraft to replace its aging fleet of HH-60G helicopters.
Lt Col Wayne Dirkes, 413th Flight Test Squadron operations officer, said: ‘Getting an HH-60W is very exciting not only for the 413th Flight Test Squadron, but also for the 96th Test Wing. Our entire test strategy has been adapted to include Sikorsky as a fully integrated partner - we have all put a lot of energy into trying to create a seamless execution model for testing here and now it’s time to make it happen.’
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