According to a Boeing statement, "CSAR-X is a U.S. Air Force initiative to procure more capable and survivable aircraft able to recover isolated personnel from hostile or denied territory." In other words, a vertical lift combat search and rescue (CSAR) asset with the range, self-defense capability and ruggedness to survive going into enemy territory to rescue US and allied personnel.

The deal could be worth up to $10 billion says Boeing. Initial operational capability (IOC) is scheduled for 2012 and the production run may number as high as 141 aircraft, with 4 test helicopters included separately in the program.

Click this link or the photos above to see a larger copy of this image and other airplane images: Military Helicopter Pictures

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