via Press Release.
RIDLEY TOWNSHIP, Pa., June 11, 2013 – In an agreement that will save the U.S. government more than $800 million, the Army and Boeing [NYSE:BA] have signed a $4 billion multi-year contract for 177 CH-47F Chinook helicopters, with the Army holding options that could increase its total buy to 215 aircraft.I am really starting to despise reading these stale, politically correct press releases.
Deliveries from the agreement, which is a cost-effective alternative to annually contracting for the aircraft, begin in 2015.
“This multi-year contract provides unprecedented savings for the U.S. Army and American taxpayers,” said Col. Robert Barrie, U.S. Army project manager for Cargo Helicopters. “But the most important benefit is the continued support these aircraft will provide to soldiers in the field and civilians in distress.”
"...unprecedented savings..."
"...continued support to soldiers in the field and civilians in distress."
I am underwhelmed.
The interesting part to me is $4 billion divided by 177 equals $22 million each. (Yes, I know there's a hearty YMMV there. Were these new-built or refurbs?)
ReplyDeleteHow many CH-47s could the Marines have had per V-22 bought? Per CH-53K? How many upgrades to the CH-47 program could the funding for V-22 and CH-53K development have paid for that could've benefited both services?
All of these announcements read like form letters. No substance at all.
ReplyDeleteIt's unlikely to change best enjoy the Bullshit/Buzzword Bingo it's the best way to make it through a press conference presentation or meeting.
ReplyDeleteyou and Patrick are right but what i wonder is whether these bastards even realize they're doing it. i took the time to read through a couple of military press announcements and i swear if i didn't know better i would think that they were delivered by Cyborgs.
Deletei think our drone program succeeded more than we thought. we now have human drones. at least in senior leadership.