The lost Dream Ship

[SAM Hunter]

Marine One:

Like its big sister Air Force One represents power… When flying all who see it know that the Commander and Chief is present…

If you have been lucky enough to have witness it fly along with its escort ships… You would be awestruck with the power and presence of the Office of the President and what it represents, these are a few screenshots of the proposed and approved VH-71 Kestrel which the United States Navy had Augusta Westland and Lockheed Martin build, to replace the ageing fleet of ships that are now on the line…

The program was cancelled in June of 2009 when it’s cost where thought to be more expensive then what the President and Congress wanted… Augusta Westland and Lockheed Martin actually had the aircraft built and flying when funding was pulled, sticking the companies with the expense of what they had accomplished... All aircraft where then scrapped and sold for parts to Canada and Japan for there EH-101 rescue helicopters…

If you watch the video you will find rare footage of the actual VH-71 Kestrel test flight provided by Augusta Westland and Lockheed Martin… Now if they need to replace any ships the estimated cost what be astronomical, compared to what was already built and flying for them…

You can see the flight here or in the flight video forum titled “Marine One”

Enjoy:

David…

[rsoro01]

Nice series of screens. Going to refresh my coffee cup and enjoy the video now.


Rich

[thindog]

Thats quite a whacky blatter you have there Sam lovely pictures mate.

[SAM Hunter]

Hey everyone:

What are your thoughts on how they pulled the funding leaving Augusta Westland and Lockheed with the bill on what was already done?

Your comments are welcomed…

[adamb]

Well it's par for the course if you ask me David, they need to pull there head out of there you know what and wise up before it's to late.

Anyway the pics and video were outstanding as usual, nice work.

Adam

[thindog]

But... but... isnt that we come to expect from governments across the globe?