By DAVID WETHE
Star-Telegram staff writer

Bell Helicopter and the Navy are reconsidering whether to build the next-generation presidential helicopter in Amarillo or move the job to Fort Worth.

Officials for the Fort Worth-based manufacturer and the Navy confirmed Bell's shift in strategy Friday.

Two years ago, Bell announced that it would assemble the frame of the VH-71 in Amarillo, but things have changed, said Mike Cox, a Bell spokesman.

Chief among them, Bell has ramped up two other programs to build aircraft in Amarillo: the V-22 Osprey and the Marines' H-1.

When the VH-71 project was announced, Bell was slated to build 19 presidential helicopters for the Navy. However, that number may change, Cox said.

"You're looking at a relatively small number of aircraft in comparison to the H-1 and the V-22 programs," he said. "The final decision on where it's going to be built hasn't been made yet."

The decision ultimately rests with Bell officials, but they're taking the Navy's views into account, Cox said. "If the Navy were to say, 'Absolutely, we don't want that,' then that's going to be another factor in our decision," he said.

Lt. Cmdr. John Schofield, a Navy spokesman, said the Navy is evaluating the costs and requirements of building the newest version of Marine One. A decision will be made after the analyses are complete, he said. Schofield said neither city is now favored. A final decision is expected in the summer, Cox said.

The Amarillo Globe-News reported that the production could involve about 150 jobs, but Cox said he could not confirm or deny that number.

He also declined to say where in Fort Worth the work would go. Bell has a growing presence in the Alliance development, in north Fort Worth, but Cox said he could make the case for several locations.

Security requirements are also a factor. Cox wouldn't say whether a new building would be needed or how much it would cost.

Amarillo officials agreed two years ago to give Bell $27 million to help construct a facility for the program.

But Fort Worth has not talked with Bell offi- cials about any tax incentives for a presidential helicopter plant, said Jay Chapa, the city's deputy director of economic development.

Bell is building the new Marine One helicopters with AgustaWestland, based in Italy, and Lockheed Martin.

Navy officials considered moving the job to Britain until some members of Congress squashed that idea.

Navy officials have openly criticized the H-1 program's costs and delivery delays.

Cox said a "very complex set of issues" is involved in deciding where to build the VH-71.

"It's just kind of a reconsideration of what's going on, businesswise," he said. "Of course, we want to make sure we can deliver the product on a schedule that they want it delivered on."

This report includes material from the Star-Telegram archives.
dwethe@star-telegram.com
David Wethe, 817-685-3803
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