The VH-71 US Presidential Helicopter program has been allocated US$100m (A$109m) in funding despite a decision by the Obama administration to cancel the program due to huge cost overruns.
The funding will see work continue on the aircraft’s mission systems and will allow the EH101-based Lockheed Martin/AgustaWestland VH-71 to remain a viable contender for any follow-on competition that may occur.
The program was previously cancelled by US Defense Secretary Robert Gates after costs nearly doubled to US$13bn (A$14.2bn) for just 28 aircraft.