Several helicopter manufacturers announced they will not bid to replace the Air Force's aging Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, leaving a variant of the same basic helicopter the leading-if not the sole-option. After viewing the Air Force's request for proposal, Boeing, EADS North America, and Northrop Grumman (teamed with AgustaWestland) all confirmed they will not compete in the service's Combat Rescue Helicopter contest to supply the 112-airframe fleet, according to press reports. All three vendors viewed the RFP as favoring an aircraft like the Black Hawk without rewarding extra capabilities their respective platforms could offer, Reuters reported Dec. 12.
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