Presidential helicopter

[Mr.mike]

So, today they announced that Lockheed will now be making the Presidential helicopter. I think that it may pose a security risk and cause a great deal of other problems not to mention most people here wont be too happy with it considering that its an out of country company that has never actually built a helicopter opposed to Sikorskys experience.
What do you guys think about all this? I know i dont like it.

[Eagle]

Since when is Lockheed a foriegn company? I agree, to the best of my knowledge they've never built a helo, but I don't see why it would be a security concern.

[teufelhunden]

Um, boss, check your facts. Lockheed is American, and in fact, the Lockheed "Skunk Works" is responsible for some of our most high-tech [for their time] military aircraft, including the SR-71 Blackbird and the U2. I really don't think that our government would approve a helicopter from Lockheed if it wasn't looked over and given the OK.

[Steelrat]

I just looked it up. Lockheed is building a US version of the European EH101 helicopter. Its a sad day for US aviation

[Kevmaster]

Lockheed = 100% American

No Questions.


Euro Coptor? Fine By Me...

[Steelrat]

Well, is any company that issues stock really 100% American?

Anyways, the EH101 is 100% a European design. Its the first time since the Eisenhower administration that the president has used anything other than a Sikorsky. My theory is that the US was kissing up to Great Britain and Italy, since they are the sources for major components for the US101. I know we use Belgian machine guns, are getting German rifles, used German cannons for the M1s, etc etc. However, this is the helicopter used by the President of the United States. Are we going to buy an Airbus for the next Airforce One?

[bleachit]

lets not forget the p-38 lighting, f117 nighthawk, and f/a22 raptor, and the soon to be joint strike fighter...


sucks to airbus...

[magman007]

and the stealth fighter and bomber,(well the b2 was based of jack northrop's designs) all lockheed designs, lockheed will make it an amazing aircraft, dont get it wrong.

also, boeing makes amazing aircraft, but airbus does as well. and with the new a380, they are really giving boeing a run for its money.

lets put it this way, it can hold 2 times the amount of people as the 747.

i realize its our presidents hellicopter, this is probabally why we are making it on american soil. i have a feeling that the old sea king is worn out, and its time for something new, something more luxurious.

personally, i think it would be bad *** if he had his own blackhawk, but i can only dream

[Jeffy-CanCon]

I pretty surprised to hear this, too. I'd have expected they would go for the big Sikorsky (S90, S92?). But that EH 101 is pretty much the cadillac of helicopters. It's big, it's strong, and I bet it rides really nice.

[TheDuelist]

I'm sorry but there's very few things built today that are completely "American." We live in a global economy and while we'd like to think we are buying American when we buy a Ford or Chevy they aren't completely built from US parts. Without seeing the data from the battery of tests each aircraft was put through, I would say the government picked the best aircraft for the job. If Sikorsky had submitted a better design we wouldn't be having this discussion right now and that is the American way.

[Steelrat]

I'm sorry but there's very few things built today that are completely "American." We live in a global economy and while we'd like to think we are buying American when we buy a Ford or Chevy they aren't completely built from US parts. Without seeing the data from the battery of tests each aircraft was put through, I would say the government picked the best aircraft for the job. If Sikorsky had submitted a better design we wouldn't be having this discussion right now and that is the American way.

The s92 was the Sikorsky entry. And, like I said before, I'm betting politics had everything to do with this decision. This is a way of saying "thanks" to Italy and GB for their support in Iraq.

And I will never set foot in an A380. Airbus wants to cram as many people into a plane as possible. Who cares that it holds double what a 747 has? I much prefer the Boeing 7E7 concept, where their objective was to make it more comfortable and efficient. Everytime I get on any Airbus plane, its a miserable experience.

[magman007]

well, this isnt 100% true. the government decides on what is best for the buck for the most part.


But you are correct in stating that most products arent even 100% us made. lets look at boeings new venture, the 7e7.... the wings and fuselage are both being made by japaneese companys. kinda odd if you ask me, and this is the first time that boeing has allowed this.

but outsourcing has its upsides now a days, and you can get quality parts, for a quality price

[Steelrat]

well, this isnt 100% true. the government decides on what is best for the buck for the most part.


But you are correct in stating that most products arent even 100% us made. lets look at boeings new venture, the 7e7.... the wings and fuselage are both being made by japaneese companys. kinda odd if you ask me, and this is the first time that boeing has allowed this.

but outsourcing has its upsides now a days, and you can get quality parts, for a quality price

Again, its all politics. Boeing outsourced the parts to Japanese companies to gain Japanese support for the aircraft. Lo and behold, the first orders for the 7E7 came from Japanese airlines.

[ntn4502]

And I will never set foot in an A380. Airbus wants to cram as many people into a plane as possible. Who cares that it holds double what a 747 has? I much prefer the Boeing 7E7 concept, where their objective was to make it more comfortable and efficient. Everytime I get on any Airbus plane, its a miserable experience.

if you lived in India you wont have a choice, I cant remember the exact number, but their are barely any being sold to the various(like single digets) US airliners, as there will never be a big enough demand to fill the seats. The only reason boeing didnt go ahead with their design is because of this and the fact that Airbus gets European grants for creating it. Theres a good amount of preorders, but who knows how many will cancel(many airlines will take the slap on the wrist fine rather then paying 100+ mill)

[Steelrat]

if you lived in India you wont have a choice, I cant remember the exact number, but their are barely any being sold to the various(like single digets) US airliners, as there will never be a big enough demand to fill the seats. The only reason boeing didnt go ahead with their design is because of this and the fact that Airbus gets European grants for creating it. Theres a good amount of preorders, but who knows how many will cancel(many airlines will take the slap on the wrist fine rather then paying 100+ mill)

Actually, the reason Boeing didn't make the 747X, which was to be the Boeing super jumbo, was because both Airbus and Boeing had done a market analysis, and determined that there was only enough market to support one brand of super jumbo. So, either Boeing or Airbus would have taken a huge loss.

Instead of getting into that situation, Boeing opted to produce an aircraft that fit their vision of future airline travel. The A380 is just a very large conventional aircraft. The 7E7 is a large leap forward in aircraft design, and I can't wait til they are released. Of course, Airbus has announced the A350 to compete with it, and is now asking the EU for subsidies and grants to build it.

You are right that the A380 is intended more for the asian market. I wonder how the world will react when the first one crashes with 5-800 people on board.