It looks more like a Sikorsky then the Sikorsky does.
Posted on 01/28/2005 2:16:27 PM PST by dead
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - In a surprise move, the U.S. Navy (news - web sites) has chosen a transatlantic team led by Lockheed Martin Corp. to build a new U.S. presidential helicopter fleet in a deal valued at well over $1 billion, several congressional sources said on Friday.
The decision was a stunning setback for Connecticut-based United Technologies Corp.'s Sikorsky Aircraft unit -- which for nearly 50 years has built and maintained the green and white "Marine One" helicopters that fly the president.
Sen. Charles Schumer (news, bio, voting record), a New York Democrat, announced the decision in a press release, saying Lockheed's victory would bring hundreds of new jobs to its Owego, New York plant.
Lockheed, the Pentagon's No. 1 supplier, is pushing a spin-off of a three-engined EH101 helicopter made by AgustaWestland Inc., an Anglo-Italian unit of Italy's Finmeccanica SpA . Fort Worth, Texas-based Textron Inc.'s Bell Helicopter is the other big partner.
The contract could also give Lockheed a boost when the Air Force next year orders 194 search and rescue helicopters that could be worth more than $6 billion.
In addition, the winner would have bragging rights that could help sell another 200 helicopters to the U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security, plus any overseas bounce.
Thank you, Fox. I like reading about planes, ships, etc. once in a while. I had thought there may have been the one helicopter and maybe one additional backup. The website was very informative!
You're welcome. I've always loved helicopters. I was a CH-53E mechanic in the Marine Corps for five years -- I contemplated reenlisting in return for a transfer to HMX-1, but I went back to school instead.
F-16 scaleback? Aren't they getting fired up for JSF?
Sikorsky *ping*!
Yes it is a blessing for Owego.
I grew up in Owego - so I'll give a little of what I know about all this.
Originally this particular plant was a branch of IBM that worked for the defense dept (Yes - helicopters were among their expertise - with family members of mine who worked on them)
Then IBM pulled out - devastating this area. Loral moved in for a short time - then Lockheed.
So there is a mix among the employees - workers who have seen all three companies, and the fresh blood who have worked solely for Lockheed.
I personally know how extremely hard these people busted their a**es to get this deal.
First of all - they managed to build a working model during this bidding process. Sikorski did not.
Lockheed's version has three engines - Sikorski's two.
Lockheed's is more luxurious with a full bathroom.
I may be wrong - but I heard Sikorski's either did not have a bathroom - or it was less than stellar.
There is much more to it - I'm sure. This is just what's been told to me.
Also - this was not a Hillary/Schumer coup.
This was also Pataki, local state senator (republican) Thomas Libous, and local congressman Maurice Hichey (I know - boo hiss)
So - you really could call this a bipartisan effort.
This area of New York State is being bled dry by the city.
This is exactly what Owego needed.
http://www.f-16.net/f-16_news_article1294.html
Thursday, January 20, 2005 - About 220 workers on the F-16 production line were handed layoff notices Wednesday by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. in Fort Worth as the defense contractor begins cuts in its F-16 Fighting Falcon program.
The layoffs, the first round of many, follow three years of job growth in the F-16 program. The company has about 15,500 employees - about 6,000 of which were working on the F-16s last year.
I could see it if they were firing in Ft. Worth and hiring in Marietta, but this doens't make sense. By the time they start need these people back they might be doing something else.
The specially modified Sikorsky H-92 presidential helicopter, taxis on the runway, Wednesday, March 10, 2004 at Washington Dulles Airport in Chantilly, Va. It is the type of helicopter Sikorsky is proposing to be the new presidential helicopter. The Navy is also expected to decide Friday, Jan. 28, 2005, who will make the next fleet of Marine One helicopters to ferry the president. Lockheed is competing with Connecticut-based Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. for the $1.6 billion contract. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
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