The HCS have responded to reports the next generation helicopter programme, the AH-26X, has been cancelled as a cost saving measure. Some commentators have said the lengthy delays already announced are "cancellation in all but name" but the HCS have said this is not the case and the X has now been pencilled in for 2113.
The stop gap AH-26WEC (and WNG for the Navy) is being produced from next year and will include the new engines developed for the X along with new cockpit displays, improved EO sensors and doubled bandwidth for video downlinks. The X also has a new rotor, new fuselage with advanced new materials, new data architecture and a more stealthy shape. Development is continuing the HCS has said.
