The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) denied the protest from Airbus regarding their lost in the US Navy competition for a new Advanced Helicopter Training System (AHTS).
The AHTS, known as the TH-73A in military service and slated to replace the Navy’s training fleet of Bell TH-57 Sea Ranger, was awarded to the Leonardo AW119Kx last January in competition against the Airbus H135.
Leonardo released a statement following the decision : “On Tuesday, the US Government Accountability Office denied the protest of the Navy’s contract award of the Advanced Helicopter Training System (AHTS) program to Leonardo. As a result, Leonardo has immediately resumed work on AHTS in Philadelphia, readying the next generation of U.S. Naval Aviators.”
The first batch of helicopters ordered is for 32 AW119Kx/TH-119 valued $176 M to be manufactured at Leonardo’s facility in Philadelphia, PA. Total program contract expected to be about $648 M.
US Government Denied Airbus Protest over Koala
The US Gov Accountability Office (GAO) denied the protest on the Navy new trainer TH-73 and Leonardo has resumed work in Philadelphia
As it should be!
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Because what does protest litigation lead to in this industry? Years of delay in newer technology for training and operations. Sustainment is the next place to turn an eye toward.