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Ars Technica is reporting that the Italian-made MH-139 helicopter beat out two other bids to replace the UH-1 after the programme was put out for bidding.
Just in time to avoid the end of the fiscal year, the US Air Force has finally selected a successor to the aged UH-1 Hueys used by the Air Force's nuclear missile security force: the MH-139, a militarized version of the AgustaWestland AW139 from the Italian aerospace and defense company Leonardo. The MH-139 was a joint bid by Leonardo and Boeing and will be built in the United States at Leonardo's facilities in Philadelphia. The award this morning is for $375 million, covering delivery of the first four helicopters. But the overall program could be worth up to $2.4 billion, delivering up to 84 helicopters, as well as training systems and support equipment.
(Score: 3, Funny) by sce7mjm on Wednesday September 26 2018, @09:32AM (6 children)
Will they fly faster backwards than they do forwards?
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday September 26 2018, @09:48AM (2 children)
'splain, plz.
(Score: 1, Informative) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday September 26 2018, @12:30PM (1 child)
It's an old joke about Italy and retreating, it used to be about tanks... etc.
(Score: 2, Touché) by Runaway1956 on Wednesday September 26 2018, @02:52PM
If it were a French design, all the weapons would be detachable, so they can be jettisoned quickly. ;^)
(Score: 0, Funny) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday September 26 2018, @12:31PM
No, they are Italian, not French!
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday September 26 2018, @04:27PM
What sound do they make when they fly?
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday September 26 2018, @05:13PM
No but they come with touchless controls so the pilot can talk and maneauver at the same time.