Friday, November 18, 2011

The United States Air Force has announced that Hawker Beechcraft has been excluded from continuing in the Light Air Support bidding process.

The Air Force was looking for an (LAS) fleet to train Afghan pilots. The military brand also planned on using some planes to provide air and ground support to American troops.

Hawker was offering its Beechcraft AT-6 for the LAS program.

The aviation company said the Air Force did not elaborate why Hawker was excluded from the process.

"We have been working closely with the Air Force for two years and, with our partners Lockheed Martin, CMC Esterline, Pratt & Whitney Canada, L-3 WESCAM and CAE, have invested more than $100 million preparing to meet the Air Force’s specific requirements," the company said in a press release.

"We have followed the Air Force’s guidance closely and, based on what we have seen, we continue to believe that we submitted the most capable, affordable and sustainable light attack aircraft as measured against the Air Force’s Request for Proposal."

Hawker said the company has requested a debriefing from the Air Force.

Former Kansas Congressman Todd Tiahrt said it is time for the Pentagon to stop outsourcing jobs.

“It is outrageous that the Obama Administration would disqualify the only American competitor for the Light Air Support aircraft program," Tiahrt said. "Apparently, they had no intention of giving the American workers a chance to win this program worth nearly one billion dollars."

A final decision on the program is expected early next year.