The U.S. Air Force expects to award an UH-1N Huey replacement contract later this year and aims to deliver new utility helicopters to multiple bases in the 2020-2032 time frame.
USAF said Wednesday it will buy aircraft designed to support nuclear deterrence, test and training, continuation of government operations and survival school support operations.
The service branch seeks a replacement platform with increased speed, range, endurance, payload capacity and survivability features.
The 2016 Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joint Requirements Oversight Council cleared the procurement plan, which USAF said aligns with the Defense Department‘s objective to fortify national security and preparedness against nuclear threats.
Current UH-1N Huey locations will receive new helicopters after an environmental analysis is completed.
Facilities include Eglin AFB in Florida, Fairchild AFB in Washington, FE Warren AFB in Wyoming, Joint Base Andrews-Naval Air Facility in Maryland, Kirtland AFB in New Mexico, Malmstrom AFB in Montana and Minot AFB in North Dakota.