Nick,
I'm on your side. Just one point with the numbers, the original contract of 50 included 15 SAR birds. Those were already bought on another contract...can't remember the cost for certain, but $1.2 billion springs to mind.
In any case, the global helicopter community is competitive. No matter what we buy or when we buy it, the companies know that they won't get a contract unless the price is reasonable. Bugs me when media focuses on dollars but never puts into perspective what the dollars get you.
As far as the new head & tail, looking forward to seeing it. I might be working with you on that one.
Matthew.