Presidential helicopter VH-92A takes flight
The VH-92A test aircraft has successfully completed its maiden flight, Lockheed Martin announced on 3 August.
The flight marks the beginning of the 250-hour flight test programme for the US Marine Corps VH-92A Presidential Helicopter replacement programme.
The helicopter completed its second flight on the same day at Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, Connecticut. Total flight time for the two sorties was one hour and included hover control checks, low speed flight, and a pass of the airfield.
As per the flight test programme schedule, VH-92 test aircraft will be joined by an additional test aircraft over the course of the 12-month flight test programme, with the latter's first flight expected to take place later this year.
The VH-92A is set to enter into service in 2020. The aircraft will transport the president and vice president of the US and other officials.
The US Navy awarded the VH-92A Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract worth $1.24 billion to Sikorsky on in May 2014. Under the contract, Sikorsky is to deliver two test aircraft and four production aircraft. There are also options for 17 aircraft.
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