Nichols Martin
The U.S. Air Force flew its first Sikorsky-made HH-60W combat rescue helicopter to gather level flight performance data needed for production and deployment of the aircraft, which has been enhanced to support rescue operations for pilots in hostile environments.
USAF said Wednesday it conducted the test July 11 at the Lockheed Martin subsidiary’s development flight center in West Palm Beach, Fla.
To replace existing HH-60G Pave Hawk aircraft, the service branch ordered 113 units of the HH-60W helicopter, and the test is part of USAF’s effort to deliver early warfighter involvement on the new helicopter.
“We are really excited to be a part of recapitalizing a vital component of our warfighting strategy,†said Lt. Col. Wayne Dirkes, operations officer at the 413th Flight Test Squadron.
The test team will begin HH-60W operations at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida during fall this year.
