That
VH-3D contract was actually only $8.4 million.
Lockheed Martin has received two additional awards this year totaling $70 million for post-cancellation costs, and the VH-71 airframes are still being offered for sale. Rumor has it Canada may take a handful due to airframe corrosion issues with their CH-149s.
$3 billion was a drop in the ocean compared to the $1-3 trillion spent on OIF & OEF, but it would still have been political suicide for any politician (well,
other than Rep. Hinchey) to back the procurement of 28 $465 million VIP helicopters during a recession.
I/C