Team US101's Presidential Helicopter Replacement (VXX) program concept demonstrator was toured today by U.S. Rep. Jack Murtha (PA-12) -- the ranking minority member of the House Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee -- during a visit to Lockheed Martin's facility in Owego, NY. Murtha was invited to Owego and accompanied by fellow appropriator U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey (NY-22), whose district encompasses the facility.

Team US101 is competing to provide the president of the United States with a state-of-the-art fleet of next-generation helicopters better known by the call sign "Marine One." The U.S. Navy's VXX award announcement currently is expected to occur during December.

"I was very impressed to see how the US101's spacious and comfortable cabin would be configured for the president's use," said Congressman Murtha after this tour inside the demonstrator. "I think America's Commander-in-Chief would be satisfied flying in this safe, secure, sophisticated, and American- made military helicopter flown by some of the world's best aviators -- United States Marines."

The Representatives visited Lockheed Martin's facility as part of an official, Navy-sponsored fact-finding tour that was initiated by Rep. Hinchey.

"I am pleased that Congressman Murtha was able to visit Owego to see this facility's rich heritage and extensive experience with military helicopters," said Congressman Hinchey. "Lockheed Martin has more than enough familiarity with rotary-wing aircraft -- as both a systems integrator and as the prime contractor -- to successfully meet the White House's VXX needs."

Team US101 is led by Lockheed Martin Systems Integration -- Owego, which serves as the prime contractor and systems integrator for the American-built US101 aircraft, an American variant of AgustaWestland's successful EH101 multimission helicopter. The US101 team collectively brings unmatched rotorcraft expertise and experience to this program: Lockheed Martin (prime contractor and systems integration), AgustaWestland (aircraft design) and Bell Helicopter (aircraft production), while General Electric will supply each helicopter's three CT7-8E engines.

For additional information, visit http://www.teamus101.com/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin