With Sierra Nevada upgrading/remanufacturing UH-60A’s, adding new engines and a new cockpit, it is curious that they didn’t win, going by my assumption that price was the weightiest factor ( from some of the USAF post decision comment ).
One might assume that the USAF had misgivings re the upgrade process but if their process were to mimic the VH-3 periodic SPAR ( Special Progressive Aircraft Rework-accomplished every 1200 hours on the 3D ), they would be in an as new condition when finished. The VH-3Ds certainly are.
Would be interesting to see the pricing data.