As the first prototypes were being flight-tested, the Pentagon canceled the contracts, saying cheaper helicopters and planes could also move troops and supplies.

The study, he said, could lead the Pentagon to curtail or perhaps even cancel some of the programs.

General Dynamics took a big hit when the Pentagon canceled the Navy's A-12 bomber at the beginning of the year.

But after the suicides, the Pentagon quickly canceled the hearing and the reporters' flight.

Almost simultaneously, the Pentagon, citing the unrest, canceled a joint training exercise with the Indonesian military.

The Pentagon canceled development of the Navy A-12 attack plane in January.

About 3,500 were laid off two months ago after the Pentagon canceled development of the A-12.

But this evening, officials said the Pentagon might cancel a plan announced earlier to send a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East.

The Pentagon scheduled and then cancelled a news conference on Monday to discuss details of the request.

The Pentagon later canceled the $1 million contract, court papers said.