Originally planned in 1998 to build 28 aerostats at a total cost of 1.4 billion.

As of 2012; 1.9 billion more had been spent than original estimate and still required an additional 6 billion more to put all 28 aerostats in service.

Fast forward to now: TWO test aerostats priced at 2.7 billion are finally ready to float?

Raytheon knows a good gig when they see one. Nice long contract for some folks to park their carcasses on.