USAF begins search for new support helicopter
The United States Air Force has restarted its search for Common Vertical Lift Support Platform (CVLSP).
The programme will replace USAF's fleet of aging Bell UH-1Ns which ard currently used to guard the country's ICBM silos, fly VIPs and carry out a range of utility and support missions.
A 'sources sought' document, released by the Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) Capabilities Planning Division (ASC/XRX) at Wright-Patterson AFB says the fleet of 62 UH-1Ns would be replaced by a new fleet of up to 93 aircraft. The document says that six of the chosen type would need to be made ready for training by September 2015 and 16 aircraft would have to be ready for operations by no later than September 2017.
The document lists a strict criteria. The CVLSP platform would have to be capable of carrying nine troops and payload of up to 3,194 lbs and be able to maintain a speed of 135 kts.
Other criteria include cabin and cockpit floor ballistic protection, as well as being able to deal with threats such as MANPADS. Other equipment will include defensive weaponry as well as the ability to fit an EO/IR turret and NVG compatible lighting.
The service’s UH-1N fleet dates to the 1970s and is used primarily to support the nuclear missile bases in Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming, where they patrol missile fields, fly search and rescue missions.
The Air Force has another squadron of UH-1s at Andrews AFB in Maryland which provide VIP airlift around Washington DC while the 6th Special Operations Squadron also flies a handful of the aircraft for special operations missions at Hurlburt Field in Florida.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine]()
Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine
Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
-
![Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook]()
Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook
Boeing has clinched a major contract modification to further its backing of the US Special Operations Command’s MH-47G Chinook aircraft modernisation effort.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut]()
Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut
Two KAI helicopters, the KUH-1E utility helicopter and the Light Attack Helicopter (LAH), have taken centre stage at the Dubai Airshow 2023.
-
![Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter]()
Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter
The Italian Navy now boasts a fleet of 56 NH90 helicopters comprising 46 SH-90As and 10 MH-90As.
-
![Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters]()
Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters
The Argentinian Air Force (FAA) and the Argentinian Naval Aviation Command (COAN) are looking for options to upgrade their helicopter fleets.
-
![DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest]()
DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest
Lockheed Martin promises a boost to the British job market and export opportunities, while strengthening ties with Poland and positioning the UK for a future in rotorcraft technology in the event of a New Medium Helicopter competition triumph.
