thedrifter
09-27-06, 06:10 PM
Improved Hueys roll out
Posted: Wednesday, September 27, 2006 at 5:46 PM
AMARILLO -- After some delays, Bell Helicopter has finally rolled out the first improved Huey and Cobra helicopters.
Bell is contracted by the Marines to strip the old birds of their Vietnam era technology and upgrade them.
The Company's CEO told us this unveiling has been delayed by about 6 months because enhancements were added.
The bottom line is these choppers will be faster and more powerful.
“2 engines is the most sophisticated aviation system in fire control. The system is totally integrated so that the pilot can get information from all systems through a single set of displays, rather than the independent displays in the past.” Said Mike Redenbaugh, the CEO of Bell Helicopter.
Those enhancements have also increased the price tag.
Redenbaugh says the original cost for the program was around $500 million, but now its closer to $1 billion.
But what does that mean to citizens not with Bell?
Amarillo Commissioner Paul Harpole explained it’s all centered on money.
He said that when businesses like Bell provide high paying jobs and plan on expanding, it forces other employers to keep their wages competitive so employees won't leave.
“Most of our income doesn't come from property tax. It comes from the City's sales tax. When people are earning more, they feel more comfortable about spending more. Anytime we can raise the pay level and provide jobs that help other places we try to do so.” Said Harpole.
Harpole also added that AC provides courses students need in order to get jobs at Bell.
The end result is that students don't have to leave the Panhandle to find work.
Ellie
Posted: Wednesday, September 27, 2006 at 5:46 PM
AMARILLO -- After some delays, Bell Helicopter has finally rolled out the first improved Huey and Cobra helicopters.
Bell is contracted by the Marines to strip the old birds of their Vietnam era technology and upgrade them.
The Company's CEO told us this unveiling has been delayed by about 6 months because enhancements were added.
The bottom line is these choppers will be faster and more powerful.
“2 engines is the most sophisticated aviation system in fire control. The system is totally integrated so that the pilot can get information from all systems through a single set of displays, rather than the independent displays in the past.” Said Mike Redenbaugh, the CEO of Bell Helicopter.
Those enhancements have also increased the price tag.
Redenbaugh says the original cost for the program was around $500 million, but now its closer to $1 billion.
But what does that mean to citizens not with Bell?
Amarillo Commissioner Paul Harpole explained it’s all centered on money.
He said that when businesses like Bell provide high paying jobs and plan on expanding, it forces other employers to keep their wages competitive so employees won't leave.
“Most of our income doesn't come from property tax. It comes from the City's sales tax. When people are earning more, they feel more comfortable about spending more. Anytime we can raise the pay level and provide jobs that help other places we try to do so.” Said Harpole.
Harpole also added that AC provides courses students need in order to get jobs at Bell.
The end result is that students don't have to leave the Panhandle to find work.
Ellie