On a more serious note, selection now confirmed as the EC145:
DoD contracts
DoD June 30th
EADS North American Defense of Arlington, Va., was awarded June 30, 2006, a $43.1 million firm-fixed-price, fixed-price-level-of-effort, cost-reimbursable contract for the Light Utility Helicopter with MEDVAC B and hoist B kits along with pilot transition and maintainer training. Work will be peformed in Columbus, Miss., and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2016. The Light Utility Helicopter is designed to conduct light-general support, civil search and rescue, personnel recovery, air ambulance medical evacuation, casualty evacuation, limited civil command and control operations in the conduct of homeland security, and counter-drug operations. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Bids were solicited July 26, 2005, and five bids were received. The Army Aviation and Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity.
I/C