The Air Force plans to introduce the newest variant of the Huey family of helicopters, the TH-1H, on Nov. 5 at the Randolph AFB, Tex., air show, which this year commemorates the base’s 75th anniversary. The TH-1H sports an advanced avionics “glass cockpit,” among other upgrades over previous models. USAF expects to have 24 TH-1Hs in its inventory by 2009. The first class to use the new trainer is slated for summer 2007.
Boeing’s receipt of the 10th lot contract award for the KC-46 Pegasus this week leaves just three lots left to complete the Air Force’s buy of the tanker, although a further buy of 75 additional aircraft as a “bridge” to the Next-Generation Aerial-refueling System (NGAS) seems increasingly likely.