Trillion-Dollar Failures: The Most Expensive Cancelled Aircraft Programs

The Most Expensive Cancelled Aircraft Programs

From presidential helicopters to sixth-generation fighters, some of the world's most ambitious aircraft programs have ended in catastrophic failure. One program stands out as a record-breaker: the VH-71 Kestrel, a presidential helicopter that cost over $13 billion before being cancelled in 2009 without ever carrying a president.

The Boeing YAL-1 Airborne Laser, a modified 747 fitted with a megawatt-class laser, was meant to shoot down ballistic missiles. Although it successfully destroyed test targets in 2010, the program was ultimately deemed impractical and cancelled in 2011 after billions of dollars had been spent.

The RAH-66 Comanche stealth helicopter, developed by Boeing-Sikorsky, was a cutting-edge aircraft that suffered from escalating costs and shifting requirements. After roughly $7 billion was invested over two decades, the program was cancelled in 2004 with only two prototypes ever flying.