Sikorsky gets contract to build six presidential helicopters

Sikorsky has received a a $542 million contract to build six VH-92A helicopter for the presidential lift mission.

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, was awarded the $542 million contract by the navy’s presidential helicopter program.

“The team has efficiently leveraged a proven platform with cutting edge government mission systems for rapid agile development of the next helicopters to fly Presidential missions,” said James F. Geurts, assistant secretary of the navy for research, development and acquisition.

The VH-92A is expected to achieve initial operational capability in late 2020. It will increase performance and payload over the current presidential helicopters, VH-3D and VH-60N, that have been serving over 40 years.

According to the navy, the new helicopter will provide enhanced crew coordination systems and communications capabilities, plus improve availability and maintainability.

In May 2014, the navy awarded the contract for the VXX Presidential Helicopter program to Sikorsky for six S-92 test aircraft and associated support equipment with production options.

In 2016, the design passed its critical design review, clearing it for production.

“The Presidential lift mission is a no-fail mission for the Marine Corps,” said Lt. Gen Steven Rudder, the deputy commandant for Marine Corps aviation. “We deliver helicopter and MV-22 transportation across the globe to support the requirements of the presidency. The authorization to move forward with procurement of the VH-92A will allow the Marine Corps to deliver the next generation of presidential helicopter support.”