V-22 Could Pull Out of U.S. Air Force CSAR-X Competition - AW&ST

V-22 Could Pull Out of U.S. Air Force CSAR-X Competition
Aviation Week & Space Technology 10/17/05
author: Amy Butler

The Bell Helicopter Textron/Boeing team, the most aggressive and vocal competitor for the U.S. Air Force's Combat-Search-and-Rescue mission, is showing signs it may back out of the competition to replace aging HH-60Gs, primarily because of the high cost.

Admitting the $71-million cost continues to be a challenge, the Bell/Boeing program manager suggested at last month's Air Force Assn. conference that the Air Force change its acquisition strategy to buy a mixed fleet of high- and low-cost airframes. Drawing from lessons from Hurricane Katrina search-and-rescue operations, officials argued some aircraft for less hazardous missions could provide a low-end solution while the V-22 would be optimized for penetrating defenses abroad and rescuing soldiers stranded behind enemy lines.

The total program cost of a mixed fleet--compared to a V-22 fleet--would be lower for what Bell/Boeing says is the most capable airframe in terms of penetrating speed, range and survivability. Likely competitors are the variants of the Sikorsky S-92, Lockheed Martin-AgustaWestland EH 101 and Boeing CH-47, all of which would cost less but are based on existing rotorcraft technology. Competing helicopters are estimated to cost anywhere from $40-60 million, depending on the final cost of nonrecurring engineering for specialized cockpit and survivability equipment.

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