No. of Recommendations: 3
Problem is, the moment that anyone tries to "modify", "modernize", or "improve" anything these days, the program becomes a cluster.
Remember when the Coast Guard tried to "modify", "modernize" and "improve" the Island class cutters, some years ago? The program included lengthening the hull and installing new equipment. Not only was a lot of the equipment installed substandard, when the modified cutters went to sea, the modified hulls started to buckle. The Coasties had to write off all 8 cutters that had been modified.
Lockheed tried to adopt the existing, successful, AW-101. for a new fleet of Presidential helos. Another mudstorm of cost and schedule overruns, so severe, the program was cancelled. What Lockheed had managed to bang together, was sold to Canada, as spare parts for their AW-101 SAR fleet.
And so it goes, with DoD/WD procurement.
Steve
