Actually, Grapes - and like I mentioned on the TA board and here only briefly. The Boeing win places us on better ground regarding the airship.
Congress has already made the proposal to cut Lockheed's HAA for the year 2007 budget, but haven't decided whose proposal will stand. There is a difference in numbers and opinion concerning that currently, but regardless it is expected to take a dramatic cut. Keep in mind the MDA funding is what is already proposed in the cuts.
As we know, DARPA/ISIS is also on the chopping block for 2007. ISIS was funding their own version for an HAA toward the program, though Lockheed was essentially taking the funding from ISIS and placing it into the HAA prototype.
Knowing this then, it is reasonable to suggest - that Lockheed's HAA may or may not survive the funding cuts and depending on whether or not ISIS specifically is cut.
This then places us in the realm of thinking that Lockheed will either decide to go ahead using its own moneys (unlikely), or decide to place the project on standby until they can secure more funding - or make the call to eliminate the program completely.
Regardless of which scenario takes place, knowing that the HAA itself will already be taking a cut - one can conclude that they won't have the funds to rapidly compete toward getting a prototype up before Sanswire. It may be years away for Lockheed to even acheive their own goals at that point.
So like I mentioned - keep an eye on anything concerning DAPRPA/ISIS and if that funding is either eliminated or dramatically cut. Even after that observation, then keep a closer eye on Lockheed's moves and see what they try to do.
Also to note. If DARPA/ISIS is cut, then that also places Northrop's initiatives - and their current partner Worldwide Aeros' initiative in jeopardy. Northrop has been helping to fund Worldwide Aeros design through channeling its government funding.
In other words - we won't exactly stand alone. But the most formidable of the competition will be in a worse position in the overall challenge.
