UH-60Ms for CSAR-X

112 UH-60Ms for USAF combat search and rescue. They’ve ditched the ‘silver bullet’ approach and went for an upgrade to a proven platform.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/02/24/338770/usaf-abandons-large-helicopter-for-rescue-mission-proposes-buying-112.html

USAF abandons large helicopter for rescue mission, proposes buying 112 UH-60Ms
By Stephen Trimble

The US Air Force has decided to buy 112 Sikorsky UH-60Ms to recapitalise its ageing combat search and rescue fleet, despite a standing requirement for a larger helicopter.

Sikorsky will modify the M-model aircraft to the HH-60L configuration, replacing a fleet of HH-60G Pave Hawks ….

… but fall short of plans to broaden the mission with a larger and more capable aircraft.

Under the CSAR-X programme, the USAF envisaged not only rescuing downed airmen, but also picking up small units behind enemy lines, or even ferrying cargo or passengers during natural disasters. That requirement drove it to ask bidders to provide a medium or heavylift helicopter.

The requirement for “personnel recovery” still stands, Shackelford says, and will be addressed by the USAF in the future. But for now it is focused on ensuring that downed aircrews will not lack a helicopter force ready to retrieve them.