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 programs 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.
Todays 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 1960s, fielded in the 1970s 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.
Interesting comments. Too bad about Sikorsky. I've got a sentimental attachment to the company. My dad worked there for a lot of years designing engines into the 53 and Blackhawk.
BTW... I would love to talk to the secret service.
Actually, you wouldn't; you're going to get locked up any time the President visits your area.
$1.7 BILLION for a helicopter??!!!
WHAT?
$1.7 billion for a fleet of 23 helicopters that carry the President and Cabinet officers.
I would rather see the money spent on items for national defense. The Bush administration is cutting hardware needed for our soldiers and sailors, so the timing on this announcement is inappropriate at best.
We are spending almost or more then $2 Billion dollars to a company that is subsidized by governments that would like nothing better then see us financially destroyed. A pathetic effort at buying a little good will with these bozo's....Fat chance
Why we have even been tolerant of hillary being here to celebrate we are so happy.
Britain and Italy want to see us destroyed?
This aircraft is being made in Brittan and Italy and these are high end blue collar jobs being out sourced. Sorry to say that very little of the money will go into American pockets. Visit Brittan and see how most Brits feel about their perception of our wealth. We're just a necessary evil to help keep the E.U. from gobbling them up.
Hillary is ecstatic about it so that should tell you something.
You might want to re-read reply #25, if you bothered to read it in the first place.
Good post! You've made me want to double our helicopter order -- just to soak up money that would otherwise be wasted on the types of useless spending you mention.
Sh_t-for-brains was too busy jerking-off on his second failure as a presidential candidate to actually DO any work for Connecticut concerning the contract.
And the other senator (dodd) was either passed-out or trying to make a 'waitress sandwich' somewhere without his fat, alcoholic massachusetts cohort - the one with the two dead brothers.
Pray for W and Our Troops
Okay then: how about the next DEMOCRAPIC president goes around (and down, HARD) in one of those?
"It looks like the U.S. Navy just shot down an American helicopter," said Rep. Rob Simmons, R-Conn. "This deal results in a net loss of American jobs. We're going to over this with a fine-toothed comb."
DeLauro added, "'Made in America' should mean something. The Defense Department has some explaining to do."
The $6.1 billion program includes $2.5 billion for development and $3.6 billion to buy the aircraft. Lockheed will receive an initial installment of $1.6 billion.
Hummmmm 6.1 bil....and most likely 200 more ships for rescue.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.