HH-60 vs. AB-139 SAR
Ever since I heard about the US coast guards plans to purchase 40 AB-139's I was curious as to why they were chosen over the sikorskys. When I was actually looking at the specs. for the 2 helicopters I was surprised to find out that the 60 had the 139 beat in almost everything. I know it is naive to only look on paper, but why did they choose the 139?
I am thinking that there must be something they don't like about the 60s, is it cost, maint.? what? It is just a little confusing when they could just add onto their fleet with proven helicopters instead of the seemingly inferior 139s.
Just looking for some answers, or theories from those with more exp./knowledge than me.