The following is a statement from Stephen D. Ramsey, Lockheed Martin's US101 vice president and general manager:

"Team US101 understands the Government's decision to delay the award on the Marine One presidential helicopter replacement program.

"Over the next several months, we will continue to work closely with the U.S. Navy customer to ensure that our low-risk approach will maintain the 2007/2008 delivery schedule required by the White House. We believe that it is important that the President have this new safe and secure transportation capability, particularly in the post-September 11 environment.

"We are confident that the US101 helicopter ultimately will be selected because it is the only proven platform offered in the competition. It has performed under the harshest conditions, such as in Bosnia and Operation Iraqi Freedom. There are more than 90 aircraft flying today that have already achieved nearly 50,000 flight hours, and will have accumulated 150,000 flight hours before delivery to the White House. The US101 has three engines rather than two for an extra margin of safety. It offers a cabin that is one third larger than the competitor for executive efficiency. The US101 represents the best long-term investment for U.S. taxpayers by drawing upon technologies already developed and proven by our key allies in the United Kingdom and Italy.

"The US101 is a world proven helicopter that will be produced in America by Americans. We will be importing technology as well as jobs into the U.S. economy. The aircraft will be built in Texas by AgustaWestlandBell and flown to New York where Lockheed Martin will install and integrate electronic systems. Lockheed Martin projects creating up to 750 jobs in upstate New York over time. More than 200 companies in 41 states will provide products and services for the US101 helicopter creating thousands of jobs for Americans."

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin