Originally Posted by
SASless
Then.....the most important issue...is the 139 built to a Military Combat Standard as is the Blackhawk?
It is not a AW139 SASless, it is a AW149, the AW149 was first designed for the military (don't know if this was build to Military Combat Standard which I assume is an USA military standard) and then they made the civilian version the AW189.
Blackhawks are fantastically capable aircraft and an upgraded, up to date version would be my choice but as you know it being the best isn't always the first priority when politicians are involved.