Wouldn't it make more sense?

Question

British company, Westland, under licence, build the American AH64 Apache Helicopter, they make an exact copy of it, right down to the smallest detail.

Wouldn't it make more sense just to import them from the United States and not have it built in Lancaster?

Answer 1

I see both sides of the issue. From the worker's perspective keeping the British plant open makes more sense. From the other side, yes, simply importing may make the most economical sense.

To add a note: According to a mate who has flown an assortment of heleos the Apache is the best to date, within its ratings. Sometimes Americans can bolt together decent machinery.

Last note: Buy an American car only if you are going to keep it a short time, the blasted things loose half their value quickly and things begin to fall off a good many of them at about 50,000 miles.

Answer 2

ya but they probaly have pride issues lol idk

Answer 3

Building them here will create jobs.

Answer 4

I'm sure the people that work in Lancaster would disagree

Answer 5

NO cause they wood have lodes of people out of work I no lets put you of work and see what you wood do on the streets

Answer 6

I'd rather trust a Lancastrian to bolt together my helicopter than an American - have you seen the build quality of US made cars???

Answer 7

probably it would make more sense to buy the US product, the Apache being built in Britain is being built in Yeovil, Somerset, not Lancaster.

although its built from a kit from Boeing, its not identical to the US product.. it has different engines, and a different rotor mechanism.

Im guessing part of the reason for the UK assembly is that it maintains the capability of Westland to build helicopters in the UK. in the same way the Rolls Royce & other companies are perceived as key players that must be maintianed.

bilding aircraft out of kits is wuite common..... the US bought kits of UK aircraft and avionics (eg Cannabera, Hawk, Harrier and Ferranti Avionics_, as have many other countries (eg India and it spurchase of the Jaguar).