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.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.