US Marines receive next-gen VH-92A Patriot presidential helicopter, Biden takes maiden flight

News, US August 23, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

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The U.S. Marine Corps has officially received the final batch of its new VH-92A Patriot presidential transport helicopters. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, delivered the 23rd and final VH-92A Patriot helicopter during a ceremony at its Owego facility on August 14.

“This delivery represents a significant milestone and new chapter in the rich, 67-year history of Marines providing helicopter transport of the president of the United States,” Lt. Gen. Bradford Gering, the Marine Corps deputy commandant for aviation, said in a statement. “The VH-92A Patriot brings increased capabilities for this no-fail mission supporting the commander-in-chief around the world,” he added.

The VH-92A, which carries the same iconic dark green and white livery as its predecessors, will retain the beloved “White Top” nickname. The helicopter’s arrival is particularly significant as President Joe Biden boarded the newest Marine One for the first time on August 19.

Biden’s maiden flight on the VH-92A took place after arriving on Air Force One in Chicago, where he was scheduled to speak at the Democratic National Convention. The flight transported him from O’Hare International Airport to Soldier Field, a location frequently used as a landing zone for presidential travel.

The delivery of these helicopters marks the culmination of a two-decade-long effort to replace the aging fleet of Vietnam-era helicopters that have been transporting presidents since the 1970s. The program to acquire new helicopters began under President George W. Bush and aimed at enhancing communications and mission capabilities in the post-9/11 era. However, it was abandoned by then-President Barack Obama due to significant cost overruns.

^{U.S. President Joe Biden arrives on Marine One for a weekend trip to his home in Wilmington at Delaware Air National Guard Base in New Castle, Delaware, U.S., on June 18, 2021.(Image Credit: Reuters/Al Drago)}

The VH-92A helicopters offer superior performance compared to the older VH-3D and VH-60N models. These new helicopters are equipped with advanced crew coordination and communication systems, increased payload capacity, and enhanced range.

Two of the 23 helicopters will be allocated for testing, while the remaining will be used for operational duties. This distribution ensures that there are sufficient helicopters for presidential transport, routine maintenance, and pilot training.

The VH-92A program, which was revitalized under the Obama administration, faced several challenges, including delays related to secure communications systems and issues with the exhaust system that caused damage to the White House South Lawn. Although the Marine Corps reported last year that communications issues had been resolved, it remains unclear if modifications to the exhaust system have fully addressed concerns about the lawn.

Despite these hurdles, the Marine Corps has been utilizing the VH-92A helicopters in various capacities, including test flights around Washington, D.C., and for transporting White House staff and security personnel. The new helicopters are based on the commercially available Sikorsky S-92, offering a larger size and longer range than their predecessors.

The transition to the VH-92A Patriot signifies a new era for Marine One, enhancing the capability and reliability of presidential transport and ensuring that the Commander-in-Chief can carry out duties with the utmost security and efficiency.