Navy delays presidential helicopter deal

[Tab]

WASHINGTON -- The Navy has put off until at least January a decision on the contract to replace the aging Marine One presidential helicopter fleet, giving both prospective contractors more time to lobby for the prized job.
Navy officials were at the White House on Wednesday to give the Bush administration an update.

The competition has been clouded by a debate about U.S. jobs shifted abroad and "buy America" issues.

Connecticut-based Sikorsky Aircraft has argued that its VH-92 Super Hawk is 100 percent American-made. Maryland-based Lockheed Martin has said its US101, which is based on AgustaWestland's British-Italian-made EH101 Merlin, will be as much as 80 percent American-made.

Navy spokesman Lt. Chris Servello said the White House has not pressured the Navy about the $1.6 billion contract.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2004/11/17/navy_delays_presidential_helicopter_deal/?rss_id=Boston.com%20/%20News

[Massacure]

1. $1.6 billion dollars for a fricken presidential helicopter???

:wtf:

[Tab]

2. No

No.

It's a fleet of at least 23.

[Massacure]

3. 23 fricken helicopters for one person???

:wtf:

[Catch22Dem]

4. On a personal level, I need the VH-92 to win the contract.

Job security for yours truly. Besides, our presidents have flown Sikorsky since Kennedy.