CH47F and CSAR
The winner of the CSAR-X competition was the HH-47, having about 80% parts commonality with the MH-47G. Essentially it's an MH-47G with gold-plated ballast.
True, but they have announced a new release date early next year. Both contenders disputed the pick on two seperate bids. THe next one will be final.
Let's hope that does NOT happen. Most of the folks I know in the community (which is rescue) do NOT want the thing.
It's what I do for a living. The people who "Dont want the thing" have absolutely no clue of its abilities. I get a chucle every time I read a commentary in Rotor and Wing of some retired 05 or 06 who was rescued once or flew UH1's in Nam and states that the 47 is a POS. The New F is the most advanced helicopter in the world (even more so than the G) and can do things that I cant state here. I have done several CSAR missionsin (D models) in the field and at Red Flag, Green Flag and Night Flag. The missions I have been involved with were all a great success due specifically to the capabilities of the aircraft. The F blows away the D in all aspects. Task force has been using the 47's to conduct CSAR for years, try telling them it doesn't work.
The 60's are great but they arent worth a thing if they cant get the payloads where they need to go due to Density Altitudes. There is a reason that the 47's are used for most high alt rescues. The 53 is also another great aircraft for this mission as well.
) and I would like to say hi!!
