Originally Posted by
SASless
All this ignores the USMC's latest version of their UH-1N....that has already been used in combat operations, would have a common parts supply chain in existence, an established training program etc.
That the USAF would also then have a fleet of Combat capable aircraft defending the Nation's primary Nuclear Deterrent should be a factor that trumps pure cost issues.
Sorry SAS, the UH-1Y was an expedient to attempt unit cost dilution for the AH-1Z by using the same powertrain on a hybrid UH-1N.
At a (implied) cost of 26.2 millions a pop is (was in 2014 dollars already) as much as 30% more expensive than a 139
after Boeing adds the "customer specific equipment", and there just is not any performance margin to justify that additional cost, matter of fact the UH-1Y does not even come close to the 139 when it comes to payload/range/speed performance combinations or OEI performance for what it matters.
If anything, the Semper Fi guys should have received H-60s, already available as a navalized aircraft in the MH-60S.