Navy Sticking With US101 for Prez Helo

[unhappycamper]

Navy Sticking With US101 for Prez Helo

After considering alternatives to the Lockheed Martin VH-71 presidential helicopter - including upgrading the Sikorsky H-3s - the Navy has decided to stick with the US101 aircraft and fund more significant and costly modifications, according to sources familiar with the program and recent discussions between the contractor and the government.

Added White House and Navy requirements are essentially turning the helicopter into another "Air Force One" - a reference to the president's fixed-wing aircraft fleet, which includes specifications not included at the program's outset, the sources said.

As a result, the second phase of the program, "increment two," is going to cost the Pentagon an additional $1 billion, sources say, on top of the initial $6.1 billion price tag.

Pentagon and contractor officials met Jan. 12 to review program options, sources said. That meeting concluded the alternatives were likely to work no better than sticking with the US101, with the structural modifications to extend its range beyond what the current airframes can deliver.

While those modifications appear to be the major drivers of cost growth, delays and increased angst in the program, sources say it is likely Lockheed will still continue to get a black eye as a result - especially in its bid for the Air Force's combat, search and rescue (CSAR-X) helicopter fleet replacement, a program worth $15 billion.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,160367,00.html?wh=news



uhc comment: Previous thread about the expensive cost-plus VH71/US101 --> http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=259&topic_id=8600

[jimshoes]

1. Sounds like the turd in chief

is making plans for his third term already.

[A HERETIC I AM]

2. Does it bother anybody that this is an Italian Helicopter?

http://www.finmeccanica.it/Holding/EN/index.sdo

Sure, it might be assembled in this country but the Navy/Marines are contracting an Italian designed helicopter for use by the president. Just seems a little strange to me.