Rip Arh

[Ned@HeliOps]

We did an article in HeliTac some time ago which outlines the problem perfectly. Unfortunately for the US military there are a number of different arms when it comes to a project.

 

The guys in the beginning who make the original specs for the program usually do so without any input from the end users, ie: the guys on the front line who operate the type. They write up the contract based on Helicopter A which has this performance, at this price and due on this date, such as the ARH and Bell.

 

Then once the contract has been signed it moves over to the program office, another whole set of people. And the first thing they usually do is go "Lets hang this on it, and add this to it and make it do this". Well Bell goes back to them and says ok but what you want isnt included in the contract price and wasnt in the original specs. The Army says Just Do It, so they do it. It now takes longer and longer to get those additional capabilities tested and approved and the cost per aircraft has now skyrocketed and also the time taken is much much longer. (this is the short version)

 

Then two years later after they have added everything but the kitchen sink, and at an extra $10 mil or so per helicopter, the Army turns around and says they are cancelling the program because of cost over runs and it doesnt perform like the contract says, and its all the manufacturers fault. Go Figure that one.

 

They have dont it with so many programs, the Commanche, the Littoral Combat ####, now ARH. Had they stuck to what was originally decided on then there would have been no problem, but like always they always want more and more and more.

 

Just my two cents worth.

 

Ned