Didn’t the Air Force already consider tilt-rotor and tandem rotors as part of their CSAR-X and CRH analysis for the HH-60G replacement? Granted, those programs were being briefed back in early 2000s, paused, and then restarted in the 20-teens.
Considering they finally got the HH-60W program underway, and that were probably still a few years from FOC, I have to think this is probably more than a few decades away.
Edit: Meanwhile, USAF is also looking into the unmanned route for the PR mission. Who knows, maybe an “optionally manned” V280?
The CSAR helicopters it’s currently buying can’t handle the mission in a conflict with China, officials say.
www.defenseone.com