Beechcraft Blues

Beechcraft Corp. announced this morning the company would formally protest the Air Force's award of the Light Air Support contract to its Brazilian competitor, Embraer.

In a statement, Beechcraft -- which used to be known as Hawker Beechcraft -- said:

"Following our debrief with the Air Force earlier this week, we are very perplexed by this decision," said Bill Boisture, CEO, Beechcraft. "Our belief that we have the best aircraft was confirmed by the Air Force rating our aircraft 'exceptional' and the fact that we are the lower cost solution was confirmed by the USAF’s public award announcement."

Last year, an Air Force investigation found evidence of bias toward Brazil-based Embraer and its Nevada-based partner, Sierra Nevada (SNC), which led to the decision to restart the competition. Although SNC later sued the Air Force attempting to enforce the biased decision, U.S. Court of Federal Claims Judge Christine O.C. Miller wrote in her Nov. 1, 2012, opinion that based on the investigation's evidence of bias "the Air Force's decision to cancel the contract award to SNC and re-solicit proposals was reasonable and rational and should stand."

"We simply don't understand how the Air Force can justify spending over 40 percent more -- over $125 million more -- for what we consider to be less capable aircraft," Boisture said. "Given our experience of last year and our continued strong concern that there are again significant errors in the process and evaluation in this competition, we are left with no recourse other than to file a protest with the GAO. The Air Force needs to make the right decision for the nation and our future allies."

Approximately 1,400 jobs in Kansas and other states are at risk as a result of the Air Force decision, according to Beechcraft's statement.

Check out Inside the Air Force's recent coverage of the LAS issue:

Sierra Nevada Wins Hotly Contested LAS Contract For Afghan Aircraft

Hawker Beechcraft Emerges From Bankruptcy, Prepares For LAS Contract

Hawker Focuses On Smart Weapons, Sees Light Attack Industry Growth

USAF Spokeswoman Says LAS CDI Results Show A Need For Improvement

House Staffers To Get Briefing On Light Air Support Requirements