Cost-Conscious Investigators Eyeing Cuts In Both Programs

In spite of its increased buying power, Washington now wants a review of the costs associated with development of the F/A-22 "Raptor" and the RAH-66 Comanche Stealth Helicopter. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the White House Office of Management and Budget is looking at cutting back -- or even cancelling -- one or both projects.

"The study should consider whether or not the F/A-22 will change the way the Air Force operates, or whether [it's] merely another step in the evolution of manned fighter aircraft," the OMB directive said, as quoted in the Journal-Constitution. "The study should address the question of opportunity cost, that is, whether or not new transformational programs are not being pursued, or are receiving less funding, because of the need to support the F/A-22."

In essence, OMB wants to keep Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's promise of developing weapons systems that keep pace with the changing face of world battlefields. Rumsfeld has already cancelled programs he doesn't believe meet those criteria. Case in point: the Army's Crusader artillery system, designed for large battlefields, wouldn't be worth a whole lot in fighting terrorist of the al Qaeda variety.

Right now, the USAF plans to buy at least 276 Raptors. So far, Lockheed-Martin has built 24 of the warplane designed to replace the F-15C. Twenty-one have been delivered. The company plans to build another 19 F/A-22s this year.

The Boeing-Sikorsky Comanche, a stealth helicopter, was first test flown in 1996. It's scheduled to go into production in 2007.

But this is nothing new to Lockheed-Martin, especially where the Raptor is concerned. It's survived several reviews since 1991 and the prospect that a defense-minded Republican administration might axe the program, seems on the surface, somewhat remote.

"We welcome yet another opportunity to discuss the transformational war-fighting capabilities of the Raptor," said Lockheed spokesman Greg Caires.

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com, www.boeing.com/rotorcraft/military/rah66/flash.html