Sikorsky HH-60W undergoes flight testing with the US Air Force

Avionics and Technology
19 Jul 2019 | Robyn Bainbridge
Share
HH-60W
Sikorsky HH-60W combat rescue helicopter. Photo: Lockheed Martin

On 11 July, the 413th Flight Test Squadron successfully conducted the first US Air-Force piloted flight of the HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter on West Palm Beach, Florida

The Air Force personnel were selected to perform optionally relevant developmental testing of the aircraft, as the Air Force is due to replace its ageing fleet of HH-60G helicopters with 113 of the HH-60W helicopters.

The new aircraft is modified to perform search and rescue missions, locating and rescuing downed pilots in hostile territory.

“Performance testing requires extremely precise aircraft control, and our test pilot-maintained tolerances of plus or minus 1 knot of airspeed, 20 feet of altitude, and less than 100 feet per minute vertical speed, flying by hand,” said Lt Col Wayne Dirkes, 413th FLTS Operations Officer.

There are six aircraft dedicated to the developmental test programme. The 413th’s HH-60W operations are scheduled to begin at Duke Field this autumn.

Avionics and Technology
19 Jul 2019
Share

Robyn Bainbridge

Robyn is a writer with a degree in English Literature and over four years’ experience in creative journalism. She enjoys the inspiring ingenuity of the Gossamer Albatross (as well as the name).