Boeing wins $2.4 billion contract to replace Air Force's aging iconic Huey choppers (abbr,)

CNBC ^ | Sept. 24, 2018 | Amanda Macias |

[ConservativeStatement]

WASHINGTON —The U.S. Air Force has selected Boeing to replace the service's aging fleet of UH-1N Iroquois helicopters, which are currently tasked with security missions as well as protecting America's nuclear missile arsenal.

The long-awaited Pentagon contract is worth $2.4 billion for up to 84 aircraft. The service awarded Boeing approximately $375 million for the first four helicopters on Monday.

[ConservativeStatement]

The headline was abbreviated to fit.

[headstamp 2]

The service awarded Boeing approximately $375 million for the first four helicopters on Monday.

[redcatcherb412]

As an aging Air Mobile infantryman with over 20 eagle flights under my belt. I will go to my grave with the sight/sound of Hueys flaring for landing and feeling the shock waves in my body from the mini sonic booms given off the blade tips. It's an experience not easily forgotten.

[ConservativeStatement]

Thank you.

[DUMBGRUNT]

Manufactured by Bell, UH-1N, the helicopter affectionately called "Huey," first entered service in 1970 to assist in search and rescue missions.

Maybe the N model came in 1970? I was in country '68,'60 and '70, rode in many of them?

[TADSLOS]

There is no other feeling or sound like it.

[going hot]

Do you recall the large handled screwdriver stuck on the leaf of the pylon between the cabin and the side wells?

The vertical aluminum strut that held the end of the seat on either outboard?

Often times festooned with smoke grenades by the spoon handle?

[Yo-Yo]

The MH-139, a military derivative of the AgustaWestland AW139.

[NorthMountain]

The November model is a twin-engine variant that did indeed enter service in 1970. The two or three I’ve seen recently did look a bit worn ...

[redcatcherb412]

LOL no, but I always rode behind left seat, feet on the skids to be first off. I usually ended up with 18lbs of radio in addition to basic load. I always wanted to be first off so the guys behind me could pull me out of the mud after jumping down when they couldn't land. That happened with alarming frequency.

[tomkat]

< salute >

[going hot]

LOL,

Was best to get out of the mortar magnet asap.

'Sides, we really did not want to spend any measurable time sitting around at ground level, touch and go if at all possible..

later, on resupply, much more relaxed.

[M-cubed]

I'm not even gonna start on this thread......ill go nostalgic... but i crewed a few for a couple of yrs....597... and 328 in particular........ both were part of my life and a trusted tool and friend when i needed them, if machines can be that.... Somehow we took care of each other and many of my friends

Cheers!!!!!!!!!

[Big Red Badger]

Silver Wings
Upon their Chest ,,

[M-cubed]

as an old crew-chief...Sorry ‘bout that....*smile*..ill buy ya a beer when i get you back to base camp safely.......

[txnativegop]

appearing worn or not, the Huey is an utterly reliable helicopter.

The Army General who gave a speech accepting the first Blackhawk choppers into service made the point that when the Blackhawks were retired in 2 or 3 decades, the aircrews who flew them to the boneyard would fly home on UH-1 Hueys.

Kind of says it all. IMO.

[NorthMountain]

the aircrews who flew them to the boneyard would fly home on UH-1 Hueys.

Except that they won't. These are the last of the Hueys, and the Blackhawks are going strong.

[M-cubed]

F’in LOVE IT!

[The Shrew]

Does anyone else think that $375 million for 4 helicopters is just a tad expensive? $2.4 billion for 84 birds might be a touch over the top?

Regards,

TS