The Air Force is delaying the award of a disputed $15 billion helicopter contract until next year.

The military service said today it needs more time to pick a contractor to replace a fleet of 141 aging combat search-and-rescue helicopters used to scoop up troops often stuck behind enemy lines.

Boeing Co. won the initial contract, but the program has been on hold for two years after Lockheed Martin Corp. and United Technologies Corp.'s Sikorsky Aircraft challenged the deal. The Government Accountability Office backed the losing bidders' protests, and called on the Air Force to reopen the competition.

When informed of the Air Force's decision, Paul Jackson, a spokesman for Stratford-based Sikorsky, lauded the service's move to take additional time to make a selection. Representatives from Boeing and Lockheed Martin had no immediate comment Wednesday afternoon.

The Air Force had planned to make a new award by December, but has notified the bidders it will be seeking more information from each before making a decision.

Air Force spokeswoman Lt. Col. Ann Stefanek said a new deadline has not been specified.

"It's certain the next administration will decide who the winner is because we have run out of time in the Bush era," said Loren Thompson, a defense consultant with the Lexington Institute. (AP)

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