Air Force Space Command eyes new helicopters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Air Force Space Command, which
oversees military space and intercontinental ballistic missile
operations, needs at least 20 new helicopters to replace its
Vietnam-era UH-1 helicopters, a top general told reporters on
Tuesday.

Lt. Gen Frank Klotz, vice commander of the Space Command,
said the existing fleet of 20 UH-1N Huey helicopters, built by
Textron Inc.’s Bell Helicopter unit, are used mainly for
security at missile bases.

But they were also used for rescue missions after Hurricane
Katrina, which strengthened the argument to begin replacing
them sooner rather than later, he said.

The helicopters are outfitted with forward-looking infrared
systems, which made them ideal for use in search-and-rescue
missions, according to the Air Force.

After a speech hosted by the National Defense University
Foundation, Klotz said an analysis of alternatives (AOA) had
been completed and would be reviewed by the Air Force
Requirements Oversight Council next month.

Discussions are under way about teaming with the Air
Force’s Air Mobility Command, which also needs new helicopters,
but Klotz gave no details on how that would affect the number
of helicopters to be purchased.

“That’s part of the AOA. I think it will be more
helicopters than 20,” he said.

He said Space Command needed bigger helicopters to replace
its current fleet of Huey helicopters, which can carry four to
five people in addition to the crew.

They also need longer range, bigger cargo holds and the
ability to fly faster, Klotz said.

Separately, the Air Force expects to award a contract this
summer for up to 146 combat search-and-rescue helicopters, a
program valued at up to $10 billion. The new craft will replace
the Air Force’s Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawks, made by a unit of
United Technologies Corp.