Boeing wins CSAR-X for $10 billion

Boeing won the Combat Search & Rescue Contract, The 10 billion dollar deal will replace the current 101 Sikorsky HH-60G Pavehawks with 141 HH-47 Chinook's.

The Chinook design is over 40 years old...and looks like it will stand strong for a couple more decades.

The 3 choppers that were in the running are: Boeing HH-47 / Lockheed Martin US101 / Sikorsky HH-92.

The reasons that the Chinook one was because it had many systems that were either already developed or in the pipeline for the Block 10 version. It can haul more, its faster, greater range, the least amount of downwash, and if one engine goes out it can still fly.

Heres a good article by Flight Global on why Boeing won.
Why Boeing's HH-47 Chinook won the CSAR-X competition

Heres Boeing's page
Boeing Awarded U.S. Air Force Combat Search and Rescue Contract

This is my favorite pic of the Chinook.....(thats some impressive piloting skills)

Well, as I see it there is no point in destroying that great chopper just because it's old. Obviously the V-22 would be a nice option too.

[edit on 12-11-2006 by Figher Master FIN]

Payload is defenatly one of the greatest points for the HH-47 Chinook. Did you know a single Chinook can carry 24 litters plus medical staff and equipment.

Tim