The Nation : Defense Dept. Cancels LHX Helicopters

The Defense Department has decided to cancel the Army’s proposed $66-billion family of LHX gunship and combat transport helicopters in favor of a less expensive scout and utility helicopter, Pentagon officials said. Deputy Defense Secretary William Howard Taft IV was expected to sign a memo canceling the LHX, and directing that money allocated for it be diverted to the development of the new Advanced Tactical Helicopter as part of the Pentagon’s overall budget cutting effort. Taft apparently has followed the recommendation of a Defense Acquisition Board meeting of senior Pentagon officials last Thursday. The Army had wanted to build 4,000 LHXs in two versions.