Well, folks, it looks like my gig at the helicopter factory is coming to an unexpected halt, and let me tell you, the news hit me like a lead balloon. I mean, one minute you’re sipping your morning coffee, thinking about those sleek RAH-66 Comanches zooming through the sky, and the next, Reuters drops a bombshell on us. Yep, the bigwigs at the Pentagon have decided that our beloved helicopter program, the brainchild of Boeing and United Technologies, is getting the axe. They’re planning to spill the beans at a press conference later today. Talk about a case of the Mondays!
And why, you ask? Well, it seems like Uncle Sam is on a mission to beef up the military for the 21st century, and apparently, our chopper doesn’t fit the bill. Despite its futuristic vibes and the cool $38 billion price tag (a figure that makes even Monopoly money look modest), the powers that be have deemed it too rich for their blood. John Pike over at GlobalSecurity.org is probably nodding his head in an “I told you so” manner right about now.
But wait, there’s more. The plot thickens when you consider the $1.2 billion President Bush earmarked for the Comanche in his 2005 budget. And let’s not forget the potential goodbye kiss of $2 to $4 billion in termination fees to Boeing and Sikorsky. Ouch. Sikorsky’s playing it cool, though, sticking to the “no comment” script, while Boeing is over there scratching their heads, claiming ignorance of any cancellation.
As you can imagine, this news hasn’t exactly been music to the ears of investors. Both companies’ stocks took a nosedive faster than a rollercoaster at Six Flags. And while some folks, like Eric Miller from the Project for Government Oversight, are popping champagne over the program’s demise, calling it a disaster of epic proportions, others are feeling the sting. Richard Aboulafia from the Teal Group thinks Sikorsky’s going to take the hit harder, what with their dreams of future riches now up in smoke.
But hey, every cloud has a silver lining, right? For Boeing, the end of the Comanche saga might just mean more love (and dollars) for their Apache helicopters. After all, if you can’t have the new hotness, you might as well double down on the old faithful. Still, it’s a bittersweet moment for those of us who’ve poured our hearts and souls into the Comanche. I guess it’s time to dust off the old resume and see what other adventures await. Maybe I’ll start a blog. “Confessions of a Helicopter Program Dropout”? Could be a hit.
On this day in history, let’s dive into the captivating tales from my blog, each entry marking a unique snapshot of life’s adventures and musings:
- 2004: New Poem in Literature Menu – Bill shares a new poem dedicated to his mother, blending personal reflection with artistic expression.
- 2002: What’s Up In Plattsburgh? – A light-hearted investigation into the quiet happenings of Plattsburgh, showcasing Bill’s curiosity and engagement with his community.
- 2002: Psycho – A chilling recount of a late-night call from an ex-girlfriend, opening a window into the darker, more mysterious aspects of life and relationships.
Boneshakerbike 
Your Thoughts