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Old 21st Apr 2023, 15:32
  #196 (permalink)  
CTR
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Texas
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Boeing Helicopter Not Dead

I agree, Boeing Philly is not dead, yet. But their clean sheet, new platform design capabilities are gone. The Comanche was designed over 25 years ago.

Boeing’s primary contribution on FLRAA was political, not technical or financial. Boeing’s lobbyists and PR departments probably billed more hours than their engineering.

Boeing has now lost all hope for any FLRAA content (talk about betting on the wrong horse). Meanwhile, FARA has been delayed, likely grown is size, and probably changed to twin engine. This makes FARA more of a direct competitor to the Boeing Apache, than a Kiowa replacement.

So when the final FARA RFP is released, this contract may become a three way competition between Sikorsky, Bell, and Boeing. With Boeing proposing an upgraded Apache.

Regarding Boeing acquiring Bell, or Textron. Scary thought.

Last edited by CTR; 21st Apr 2023 at 16:07.
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