[whdonnelly]

Here is an excerpt from the Ft Worth, Texas, local paper:


Army officials insist that the competition is wide open. Representatives of the competing companies say they believe it will be a fair process and don't expect "Buy America" sentiments to affect the outcome.

"I don't see it as a problem," said Tom Harrison, a retired Army officer and vice president for EADS, the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. "The [Army's] solicitation said best value, a full and open competition."

But other observers say politics will surely play a role, although maybe not a decisive one.

"The loser will turn to foreign content arguments. It's inevitable," said Loren Thompson, president of the Lexington Institute defense think tank and a consultant to defense contractors.

The contenders are:

MD Explorer -- An aircraft designed and built by MD Helicopters of Mesa, Ariz., formerly McDonnell Douglas Helicopters and before that Hughes Helicopters. It is the smallest and least expensive entrant.

EC-145 -- A German/French design offered by EADS and its U.S. affiliate, Grand Prairie-based American Eurocopter. The aircraft would be assembled in Mississippi with U.S.- and European-produced components.

Bell 412 -- A modern civil version of Bell's venerable Huey, it would be built by Bell in Canada, with many key components produced in Fort Worth.

A139 -- This is the largest, most powerful helicopter with some of latest technology. The most expensive aircraft, it's a product of Italy's AgustaWestland, which also developed the future US101 presidential helicopter. The helicopters would be built in Waco by L-3 Communications Integrated Systems from U.S. and European components.

The winning bidder will also train pilots and mechanics, perform much of the maintenance and repair work, and guarantee that a high percentage of the aircraft will be available to fly at any time.

Army officials say the long-term cost of operating and maintaining the aircraft will be a major factor in their decision.