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."

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com, www.agustawestland.com, www.af.mil