"Let’s Have a Look At The Helicopter The U.S. Air..." Topic

… Force Has Selected To Replace The UH-1N Huey.

"In what many have defined an upset victory, the United States Air Force announced the selection of the MH-139, to replace its fleet of UH-1N "Huey" helicopters. A 375M USD firm-fixed-price contract for the non-developmental item integration of four aircraft was awarded on Sept. 14. If all options are exercised the programme is valued at $2.4 USD billion for up to 84 helicopters, training devices and associated support equipment until 2031.

The new choppers, based on the Leonardo AW139 and offered by Boeing as prime contractor, are expected to reach the IOC (initial operational capability) in 2021 (this is what Leonardo claims in its press release even though it appears a bit optimistic considered that the Lockheed Martin and Sierra Nevada, both offering UH-60 Black Hawk variants, may contest the award) when they will replace the old Huey taking over the role of protecting the America's ICBM missile silos as well as VIP transportation and utility tasks…."

link

Main page
link

Amicalement
Armand

…it appears a bit optimistic considering that Lockheed Martin and Sierra Nevada, both offering UH-60 Black Hawk variants, may contest the award)

It'll lose this challenge for sure. The powers-that-be will make sure that the USAF buys American, not Italian. America First, baby!

Who wants to buy a 30-year-old design when you can buy a 15-year-old design?

And actually all you have to say to the USAF buyers is that the AW139 is stealthy.