Rep.: Plan to replace helo fleet not logical - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

Rep.: Plan to replace helo fleet not logical

WASHINGTON — A New York Democrat says an internal Navy document shows new plans to replace the president’s fleet of helicopters will cost taxpayers more and take years longer to deliver than a recently scrapped contract.

Rep. Maurice Hinchey says the Pentagon’s plan to scrap helicopters built by Lockheed Martin and buy a new fleet with similar capabilities at a cost of up to $22 billion for delivery as late as in 2024 is “beyond illogical.”`

A Navy spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment.

The government spent close to $3.2 billion on Lockheed’s project before Defense Secretary Robert Gates killed it for being behind schedule and over budget. Gates said the project, which had a $13 billion price tag, no longer met White House requirements.