Shaffer
06-17-03, 09:15 AM
Stratford, Conn.-based Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and the British-Italian consortium AgustaWestland — are vying not only for the cachet of ferrying the president but for the inside track in the competition for far more lucrative contracts to build hundreds of helicopters needed by the Air Force and Coast Guard for search-and-rescue missions, industry analysts said.
The Marine One contract covers only about 11 helicopters, the size of the president’s current fleet. But the victor instantly gains a competitive advantage as a proven contractor, analysts said.
Supporters of Sikorsky, which built the fleet in use, emphasize its American credentials. “It’s a matter of national prestige and national pride — every president back to Eisenhower has had an American Sikorsky. I see no reason why we shouldn’t continue that tradition,” said Rep. Rob Simmons (R-Conn.). “This is our president ... I really don’t want to see him flying around in a foreign helicopter.”
http://www.msnbc.com/news/927585.asp?cp1=1#BODY
The Marine One contract covers only about 11 helicopters, the size of the president’s current fleet. But the victor instantly gains a competitive advantage as a proven contractor, analysts said.
Supporters of Sikorsky, which built the fleet in use, emphasize its American credentials. “It’s a matter of national prestige and national pride — every president back to Eisenhower has had an American Sikorsky. I see no reason why we shouldn’t continue that tradition,” said Rep. Rob Simmons (R-Conn.). “This is our president ... I really don’t want to see him flying around in a foreign helicopter.”
http://www.msnbc.com/news/927585.asp?cp1=1#BODY