Mon, Jun 01, 2009
That's Pretty Much It... BuhBye!
The Navy has announced that it will terminate the VH-71 System
Development and Demonstration (SDD) program contract. The
announcement follows a Department of Defense (DoD) decision to
cancel the existing presidential helicopter replacement program.
The VH-71 was intended to replace both the VH-3D and VH-60N
aircraft currently used to conduct presidential support
missions.
Navy contract N00019-05-C-0030 and associated work with Lockheed
Martin Systems Integration - Owego (LMSI-O), Owego, N.Y., awarded
Jan. 28, 2005, for the SDD of the VH-71 program, has been
terminated for the convenience of the government.
The under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and
logistics issued a VH-71 program acquisition decision memorandum on
May 15, 2009, which directed the program be cancelled, to include
both Increment 1 and Increment 2.
Just a few days ago, Italian Defense Minister Ignazio La Russa
pleaded for the Pentagon continue to go ahead with the VH-71
program. The VH-71 is based on the AW101 helicopter built by
Italian firm AgustaWestland in Italy and the United Kingdom. In the
letter to Gates, La Russa "expressed his concerns over the ongoing
debate about the presidential helicopter, offered the assistance of
the Italian government, and called for close cooperation by the
manufacturer in order to find the most opportune way to
successfully realize the program."
"The cancellation of the VH-71 program would negatively impact
jobs and the industrial base in Italy and the U.K. It is
fundamental for all allied countries to maintain a strong,
autonomous defense industrial capability, and this program is a key
element in the pursuit of that strategy."
More News
Aero Linx: Model Aeronautical Association of Australia MAAA clubs are about fun flying, camaraderie and community. For over 75 years, the MAAA has been Australia’s largest fl>[...]
Touchdown Zone Lighting Two rows of transverse light bars located symmetrically about the runway centerline normally at 100 foot intervals. The basic system extends 3,000 feet alon>[...]
“Discovery and innovation are central to our mission at Virgin Galactic. We’re excited to build on our successful record of facilitating scientific experiments in subor>[...]
How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbel>[...]
Student Pilot Reported That During Rotation, “All Of A Sudden The Back Of The Plane Kicked To The Right..." Analysis: The student pilot reported that during rotation, “>[...]