CSAR-X Contender Completes Milestone
The Lockheed Martin and AgustaWestland HH-71 Team successfully
conducted aerial refueling tests between an RAF AW101 Merlin Mk3
helicopter and an Italian Air Force KC-130J tanker last week,
further demonstrating the aircraft's capabilities for the US Air
Force's Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR-X) requirement.
The successful fuel transfer occurred over the south of England
on February 13, and marked the first time a British helicopter
demonstrated air-to- air refueling capability. The AW101 and RAF
test pilots successfully plugged the helicopter's refueling probe
to each of the tanker's two wing station drogues on the first
attempt.
The sorties were flown at 4,000 ft altitude, with both aircraft
traveling at 127 knots. All trial objectives were completed with
multiple in-flight refueling events successfully achieved up to the
maximum Merlin Mk3 flying weight of 34,400 lbs.
"To support our win strategy of providing the US Air Force the
lowest risk offer, we completed the aerial refueling tests prior to
contract award," said Dan Spoor, Lockheed Martin's CSAR-X vice
president. "With this proven aerial refueling capability, the
aircraft has demonstrated all critical capabilities required for
the CSAR mission. The aircraft exceeds the technical readiness
level required by the CSAR-X RFP."
As ANN has reported, the
HH-71 -- a variant of the AgustaWestland EH101 Merlin -- is
competing against Boeing's Chinook-based HH-47, and Sikorsky's
HH-92, for the CSAR-X contract. Boeing was initially rewarded the
contract in November 2006, but the other two companies protested
the decision. Heeding recommendations from the Government
Accounting Office, the US Air Force announced in October 2007 it
requested a new round of bids for a $15 billion contract to replace
141 combat search-and-rescue helicopters.
AgustaWestland notes all Merlin Mk3 helicopters have air
refueling capability. The trial was the latest step in providing an
Operational Release for in-service Merlin Mk3 helicopters fitted
with the advanced design BERP III and BERP IV rotor blades.
"The robust NDI air refueling technology employed on the HH-71
combined with its excellent cockpit visibility, significant probe
to blade clearance, precise handling qualities and high power
margins result in the most capable, low risk aerial refueling
helicopter for the CSAR-X mission," said Stephen C. Moss, chief
executive officer of AgustaWestland North America. "The fact that
the fuel transfer occurred on the first attempt and that the
sorties were flown with both the BERP III and the BERP IV advanced
rotor systems, makes the successful trials all the more
significant."