The Air Force has revised its guidelines to contractors vying for the new combat search and rescue aircraft, asking them to plan to introduce more capability sooner. According to Reuters news service, over the next five years, USAF plans to add $849 million to the effort to replace its HH-60 CSAR helicopters. With the additional funds, Air Force Special Operations Command can advance delivery of aircraft with a full complement of equipment. The change probably will delay contract award from spring to late summer.
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.