Air Force News, news from Iraq - Air Force Times

Quick Links

Webtools

Click here for Military Times Webtools
http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/11/airforce_CSAR_upgrades_071112W/
news/2007/11/airforce_CSAR_upgrades_071112W

CSAR-X decision delay spurs Pave Hawk upgrades


By Erik Holmes - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Nov 13, 2007 8:03:29 EST

The Air Force’s aging fleet of HH-60 Pave Hawk search-and-rescue helicopters will get a $99 million upgrade to keep them flying until their replacement, the CSAR-X, is operational.

The funds were provided in the 2008 defense appropriations bill passed by Congress on Friday.

In a report accompanying the bill, lawmakers said the upgrades were necessary because of delays in the $15 billion CSAR-X program.

“The CSAR-X program is facing delays,” the report says. “The HH-60 must be upgraded to safely and effectively perform the mission until the CSAR-X is operational.”

The report said the HH-60 fleet will have to perform the search-and-rescue mission for “many years” longer than planned.

The CSAR-X program has been on hold since last November, when the Government Accountability Office upheld a protest to the Air Force’s selection of the Boeing CH-47 as the winner. The Air Force is allowing Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky Aircraft to submit revised bids and is expected to announce a decision by summer 2008.

The bill also directs the Air Force to report to Congress every six months on the progress of upgrades to the Pave Hawks.



Contests and Promotions

CFC Info Center


Check out our in-depth guide to the Combined Federal Campaign.

Win A Timex Ironman® Triathlon Bodylink Trail Runner Watch


promo Enter and WIN...
The Timex Ironman Triathlon Bodylink Trail Runner is ideal for monitoring your heart rate and distance when running or to use as a GPS device.

Marketplace

Military Times Gear Shop


Converse  8 Sage Green Composite Safety Toe Boot Converse 8 Sage Green Composite Safety Toe Boot
Authentic Converse® athletic fit, comfort and performance with tactical design and non-metallic safety toe.

Price: $122.99

Military Discounts


Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.

Shoplocal

  Shop Local
Local Online Deals
Find the best deals at your local stores.