mjmf111
20th Mar 2006, 20:16
CSAR-X - There is a rumor that one of the competitors has withdrawn from the USAF CSAR-X competition. Has anyone else heard this?
Ian Corrigible
22nd Mar 2006, 15:34
The Bell-Boeing HV-22 was withdrawn last October, but AFAIK the remaining three bidders (HH-47, US101, HH-92) are still in the fight, accelerated Block 10 EIS timescales notwithstanding.
The current favorite depends on who you ask. The H-47 is a proven platform (esp. in OEF), with good hot & high capabilities and a high degree of commonality with the SOCOM fleet, but its noise signature may be a drawback. The US101 has the benefit of the VH-71 selection and a bigger cabin than the Thunderhawk, but it still faces political opposition here in the States.
I/C