The last of the US new Presidential helicopters handed over
The last helicopter was handed over at a ceremony on 19 August. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
The VH-92A is a militarised version of the S-92A and replaces the existing fleet of VH-3D, VH-60N and VH-92A helicopters.
The US Marine Corps and Presidential Helicopters Program Office (PMA-274) have taken delivery of the last of 23 Sikorsky VH-92A Patriot presidential helicopters, a fleet which will consist of 21 operational and two test aircraft.
The delivery brings to an end the production contract signed a decade ago after protracted competition. The effort originally collapsed in 2009 and saw Bell-Boeing, Boeing and AgustaWestland drop out as the militarised version of the S-92A helicopters became the frontrunner.
The 2014 contract was awarded by US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and initially involved building six aircraft at a cost of US$1.2 billion.
The VH-92A is improved beyond the commercial version and is integrated with government-defined mission systems and finished with executive interiors. The fleet will transport the President and Vice President of the US and other officials and continues the record of Sikorsky providing all helicopters to fulfil this role.
NAVAIR explained that the large fleet allows “for aircraft to be ready to support the executive lift mission, undergo various levels of maintenance, lifecycle upgrades, and provide assets for pilot/aircrew training.
“The new presidential helicopter was built to increase performance and payload over the VH-3D and VH-60N. It will provide enhanced crew coordination systems and communications capabilities in addition to improving availability and maintainability.”
The USMC will work with the White House Military Office, PMA-274, and Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) to ensure the conditions are set for a successful transition from the current in-service 10 VH-3D, six VH-60N and existing VH-92A to the new aircraft.
More from Air Warfare
-
![EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon]()
EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon
The consortium has given details on the next-generation of sensing and jamming capabilities on the Eurofighter Typhoon without needing to update the airframe, according to the group’s partners.
-
![Romania signs $7.2 billion deal to buy 32 F-35A jets]()
Romania signs $7.2 billion deal to buy 32 F-35A jets
The Romanian government has formalised a deal to purchase 32 F-35A aircraft from the US. The jets will not be expected to be operational in Romania until 2030.
-
![UK, Japan and Italy discuss potential to bring other countries into GCAP programme]()
UK, Japan and Italy discuss potential to bring other countries into GCAP programme
At the G20 summit in Brazil, the three countries reaffirmed their commitment to the trilateral Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), with a nod given to potentially widening the participation out to other countries.
-
![US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets]()
US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets
The US Air Force will transition away from its ageing A-10 aircraft in 2025, in favour of updating and enhancing its F-16, and introducing F-15EX and F-35 Lightning II jets in the region.
-
![Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped]()
Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped
BAE Systems Air business has reaffirmed its commitment to the Typhoon programme as union representatives from the company urge the UK government to order 24 Typhoon jets.
