“The final test by the Sikorsky and air force team was on the aircraft’s weapon systems,” says the service. “The goal of that test was to both demonstrate the performance of the weapons while optimising weapon system configurations.”
The HH-60W first flew in May 2019. The helicopter arrived at Eglin AFB in November 2019 and has been undergoing testing since. The USAF and Sikorsky have accrued more than 1,100 flight hours across six helicopters during the testing programme, says the USAF.
Tests included examination of the helicopter’s flight performance, communications systems, cold and hot weather performance, in-flight refuelling, data links, defensive systems, cabin systems, rescue hoist system and the live-fire of three guns, including its GAU-2 Gatling gun.