Here's something to munch on.
Marine-One, the old 1957 helo is one of the most expensive airframes in the WORLD to service. Why? Because the navy stopped using the nicely dubbed Jolly Green Giant back in the '70s. So what does that mean? They havent been producing parts for it since about '68 (they stop once a new helo begins production).
So... highly up there in cost to service. Parts undoubtably running short. Survey says!.... get a new airframe.
Quote:
Why on earth does he need 23 of them?
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Because helos need maintenance. And since they have short flight capabilities they need to be posted in advance wherever the president is going. They need to ship them all the way to China weeks in advance before the Pres. flies in. At LEAST one needs to be fueled up and GUARANTEED not to break (aka have a second one fueled and warmed up) and good to fly at a drop of a hat.
You can see how this issue stacks up fast.