WHEREAS, Boeing and Leonardo Helicopters submitted their formal bid to succeed the UH-1N “Huey” Helicopter in use by the Air Force with the MH-139 helicopter based on Leonardo's commercial AW139 multi-mission helicopter; and
WHEREAS, The AW139 has been in production for 10 years, and Leonardo has produced more than 250 of the helicopters in Philadelphia. As prime contractor, Boeing will integrate the military-specific equipment that will need to be added to the helicopter to meet survivability and mission requirements, as well as managing the system interfaces and logistics support; and
WHEREAS, The MH-139 will be tasked with crucial missions vital to the United States National Security and Defense. The helicopters will guard intercontinental ballistic missile fields in North Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana and will also stand ready to evacuate high-ranking government officials and members of Congress from Washington, D.C., in the event of a national emergency; and
WHEREAS, Strong competition and superior design efficiencies drove down costs resulting in $1.7 billion in savings to the taxpayer. The first four aircraft are scheduled for delivery to the Air Force in 2021, with plans to build up to eighty-four helicopters under the agreement; and
WHEREAS, Leonardo Helicopters, formerly AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation, has operated its aerospace and defense manufacturing at a site adjacent to the Northeast Philadelphia Airport since 1980; and
WHEREAS, The winning contract will support more than 560 jobs between Boeing and Leonardo; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we do hereby recognize and honor Boeing and Leonardo Helicopters on the announcement of the winning selection of their bid to replace the United States Air Force fleet of UH-1N “Huey” helicopters to be proudly made in Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Boeing and Leonardo Helicopters as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.
End