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Air Force Space Command eyes new helicopters

Posted on: Tuesday, 13 June 2006, 15:23 CDT

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.

Source: REUTERS

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