 Despite these deficiencies, a low rate initial production (LRIP) contract for seven systems at a price of US$171 million was placed in 1993.Further evaluation of the Hunter based on these seven systems demonstrated more shortcomings in the UAV's software, data link, and engine.As the Hunter's defects were gradually uncovered, price continued to rise, and by 1996 the Army was faced with paying over US$2 billion for 52 Hunter systems.