Some say it would be a waste of money if 20-some super duper helicopters didn't get built. It doesn't look as though any republicans are for the project and the democrats appear to be protecting jobs:
CQP: In the letter, the members said they were “alarmed by the political controversy surrounding the VH-71 program and fear it could lead to a decision that jeopardizes the security of our commander-in-chief and wastes valuable taxpayer money.”The Obama administration is reviewing the $13 billion project.
The signatories included Maurice D. Hinchey , D-N.Y., an appropriator in whose district Lockheed Martin Corp., the project’s main contractor, integrates the subsystems on the chopper. Another signatory was Michael Arcuri , D-N.Y., in whose adjoining district many of the plant’s workers reside. The letter was signed by several other members who do not appear to have a direct constituent interest in the program.
The Navy’s plan is to buy the helicopters in two phases, the second of which would improve upon the first’s capabilities, with an upgraded engine and new rotor blades, for example. The Navy would buy nine Increment 1 aircraft (four for testing, five for use in the squadron), followed by 23 Increment 2 choppers. The Increment 1 aircraft, in the current plan, are an interim solution, to be replaced by Increment 2 aircraft in fiscal 2019.
In their letter, however, the lawmakers embrace a proposal by Lockheed Martin to jettison the ambitious Increment 2 helicopters and focus on building only Increment 1 models, which they said could be done for the original cost projection.
“Without question, simply cancelling VH-71 at this advanced stage would be the least responsible alternative both for the safety of your office and the investment of the American taxpayer,” the members wrote.
