Posted on 01/28/2005 3:10:45 PM PST by Cornpone
The Department of Defense announced today that the team led by Lockheed Martin Systems Integration, Owego, N.Y., has been selected to build the new presidential helicopter (VXX) based on its U.S. 101 medium lift helicopter.
This $1.7 billion, cost plus award fee contract will launch the VXX program’s system development and demonstration phase during which the program will integrate a “system of systems” with a modern, in-production aircraft to provide the president with safe and reliable helicopter transportation.
“Today’s announcement is a significant milestone that caps an exhaustive and deliberative source selection process that carefully followed the Federal Acquisition Regulations,” said John Young, assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition. “The determined effort, long hours and hard work by both the VXX government team and the two industry teams will ensure a high level of quality and safety for future presidents, as well as a timely, efficient and effective program execution.”
“This decision truly reflects the best value and capability for the American taxpayer who is funding it, the Marines who will operate it and the future presidents who will fly in it,” Young added.
The fleet of helicopters that currently supports the presidential mission includes 30-year old aircraft that were designed in the 1960’s, fielded in the 1970’s and no longer has the growth capability to incorporate the equipment necessary to provide suitable presidential support in the post 9-11 environment.
“Under this replacement program, with its technology and performance improvements, a single platform will provide better savings in total ownership costs, engineering, maintenance and logistical support over the lifetime of the program,” Young said. “The president needs a more survivable helicopter while the nation engages in the Global War on Terrorism, and we are committed to providing it as soon as possible.”
The original Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program of record proposed an initial operating capability in 2013. The VXX program was accelerated in 2003 with a currently planned IOC in fiscal year 2009.
For more information, please contact Navy Public Affairs at (703) 697-5342.
A fleet of about 23.
well isn't anyone pissed that a Euro weenie company with ties to Lockheed got the contract over the American Sikorsky co. Lockeheed has never built a helicopter ever......aren't some you you guys wondering why an American company got dissed by the pentagon for a Euro consortium.........
"I always thought the pres should zip around in this bad boy"
Unfortunately doesn't that badboy have a dubious safety record
Sikorsky insisted on overpricing all aspects of its bid--purchase, ILS, etc.
The team announced that everything but the rotor blades and the transmission would be made in America, with contracts going to dozens of companies in 41 states, many of them in the politically influential states of California and Florida.
Maybe this should be free, to make up for the technology they leaked to China...
It did at one time, yes. The range is better, the fuel economy is better . . plus it's just kinda cool.
Great, an Italian chopper as "Marine One"!! Why not stay with the 45 year tradition of Sikorsky? Here is what a Clinton-era General had to say: (I don't agree BTW)
http://www.reprintbuyer.com/mags/mcgraw-hill/1-7393857-eprint.pdf
BINGO! What a Presidential ride the Osprey would make. VTOL, lightning quick compared to a chopper, interior space for a piano bar, and (no matter what the critics say) just as safe as a Helo.
Sikorsky charged too much and delivered too little.
Too late folks, I already have on my flame-proof undies.
Sikorsky charged too much and delivered too little.
okie dokie.....guess I was listening too much too Lou Dobbs, he sometimes can get carried away (like i did) with outsourcing......i need another drink
I think Bush's piloting days are past.
I saw a great bumper sticker yesterday that read, "Nuke the Whales"
The proper slogan is: "Nuke a Gay Whale for Jesus," covers more bases.
oh well......if that be true than they screwed themselves for now.......dumbsh**s.......I stand corrected
Have they licked that "falling out of the sky" characteristic yet?
They were proven wrong.
Sikorsky thought that, because they were one of two major domestic military rotorcraft manufacturers, that the Pentagon would have to take it in the shorts.
The American defense industry needs to realize that Uncle Sugar does not have to buy their wares.
Yes. Among other things, they rethought the decision to let KC-130 drivers transition into PIC slots.
"Nuke the Unborn Gay Whales for Jesus"
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