There is a companion Thread at Rotorheads about this purchase by the USAF.
I posted this earlier this morning (my time).
How effective is AW/Leonardo at controlling costs on such Contracts/Programs?
Did they not have problems with the Sikorsky S-70 effort they had where they were to build and sell Licensed Blackhawks?
I do not recall that being a stellar success.
Then there is the 101 program and its cost over time.
Did not the RAF and Canadians have to cough up shed loads of money as a result of the pricing and cost over-runs or am I misunderstanding what transpired?
They were unsuccessful in the US Presidential VIP Helicopter bid as well.
The USAF sure doesn't have an admirable ability to deliver aircraft programs on time and within budget do they?
Does the 139 still have CG issues in certain configurations?