Pentagon orders 26 TH-73A Thrasher helicopters
TH-73A will train aviators from the US Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. (Photo: Leonardo)
The DoD has awarded Leonardo AgustaWestland Philadelphia a $110.5 million firm-fixed-price modification to the previous contract for the US Navy’s Advanced Helicopter Training System (AHTS).
Leonardo announced on 24 December that the Pentagon is acquiring an additional 26 TH-73A Thrasher helicopters. The DoD awarded AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corp a $110.5 million firm-fixed-price modification to the previously awarded contract for the US Navy’s Advanced Helicopter Training System (AHTS).
The helicopters will be produced in Philadelphia, and work is expected to be completed in December 2024. The TH-73A will train aviators from the US Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
In January 2020, Leonardo, through AgustaWestland Philadelphia, was awarded a $176 million firm-fixed-price agreement for the supply of 32 TH-73A helicopters, spares, support, dedicated equipment and specific pilot/maintenance training services.
Related Articles
Training capability jumps as TH-73A arrives
US Navy has bold plans for future aviator training
Leonardo boosted by 2021 aircraft order increase, notes ‘limited exposure’ to Russia
However, the company could not proceed with production due to an Airbus protest on the deal. In May 2020, the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) announced that it has dismissed Airbus's protest and approved Leonardo's work to continue on production of the first batch.
The second lot of 36 aircraft was ordered in November 2020 through a $171 million contract modification. In December 2021, the DoD awarded a $159.4 million deal for the third lot of 36 helicopters.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
TH-73 Advanced Helicopter Training System - AHTS (TH-57 Replacement)
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![US Navy tests new comms pod for Marine Corps’ MQ-9A Reaper]()
US Navy tests new comms pod for Marine Corps’ MQ-9A Reaper
The pod, named SkyTower II (STII) was tested ahead of the system’s initial operational capability (IOC) in 2026.
-
![US Air Force and Air National Guard test Northrop Grumman solution to increase performance for air tankers]()
US Air Force and Air National Guard test Northrop Grumman solution to increase performance for air tankers
The voice and data interoperability system has been built to enable operations in contested environments.
-
![Dassault considers boosting Indian presence to support future Rafale production]()
Dassault considers boosting Indian presence to support future Rafale production
Discussion of any new production line in India would reportedly be for the F5 jet, although India is also closing in on cementing a deal for 26 Rafale-M aircraft for its Navy.
-
![US Navy Next-Generation Jammer approaches full-rate production]()
US Navy Next-Generation Jammer approaches full-rate production
Raytheon is currently finalising the production of NGJ-MB lot 5 while working with the US Navy on contract requirements over multiple years.
-
![Lockheed Martin “bullish” on future of its F-16 programme]()
Lockheed Martin “bullish” on future of its F-16 programme
The company foresees demand for around 300 Block 70/72 F-16s from customers across the globe and is targeting around a 23 to 26 aircraft delivery total for 2025.
