The contract is known as ‘Lot 2’ and is valued at over US$500 million.

It's an honour to build this critical aircraft for the Air Force

"This second contract award demonstrates the confidence the US Air Force has in Sikorsky's proven ability to deliver and support the next generation combat search and rescue helicopter," said Greg Hames, Sikorsky's CRH Program Director. "Our team works daily – and in close collaboration with our customer – to ensure we build and deliver this highly capable and much-needed helicopter to the warfighter."

The HH-60W is an all-new helicopter based on the proven UH-60M Black Hawk and customised for the US Air Force's rescue missions. The Air Force assigned the new helicopter its proper name – Jolly Green II – in a name reveal event hosted by Barbara M Barrett, Secretary of the Air Force.

"We respect the long tradition of assigning a moniker that communicates the CSAR mission. Jolly Green II is a fitting tribute to its history and to airmen and women worldwide," said Dana Fiatarone, Sikorsky's Vice-President, Army and Air Force Systems. "The name is greatly respected by our workforce – past and present – and it's an honour to build this critical aircraft for the Air Force and bring it to the symposium today to provide our customer with the opportunity to view the Jolly Green II in person. We look forward to continued production and executing on the recent Lot 2 contract award."