Saturday, August 09, 2008

I can has helicopterz?


Oh, look. I'm particularly fascinated by this part:

2. Requirement:

The Department of National Defence (DND) has a requirement to procure a minimum of sixteen (16) new MHLHs [Medium to Heavy Lift Helicopters] and their long-term in-service support that covers a period of 20 years with options to be exercised at Canada's sole discretion, to extend for the life of the helicopters.

So if, only two years ago, we absolutely, positively needed 16 new of these babies, how is it that we're suddenly quite happy with six used? And I'm sure that those more knowledgeable in the arcane MERX-speak of Ottawa will be happy to peruse the rest of that doc and find other amusing bits.

1 comment:

DPat said...

According to my reading, including, but not limited to, the CTV article you link to, "Canada is [still] planning to buy 16 new Chinook helicopters by 2013."

I think the 6 "D" models now being purchased are an interim solution for 2009, as the 16 "F" or "G" models the air force wants 'cause of all the bells, whistles, cup holders and cool racing stripes won't be available until at least 2013, assuming the government can ever gets its shit together and actually sign a contract. (The cynical side of me thinks that Yo may not want a signed contract for the 16 until after the next election due to the possible impact of the cost on those voters already P.O.'d by Conservative spending).