Next-Gen Marine One Makes Operational Debut

Presidential Helicopters Program Office and the U.S. Marine Corps accepted delivery of the final VH-92A Patriot helicopter in August for a total inventory of 23 aircraft. [Courtesy: Naval Air Systems Command/ Owen Hoffmann]

Sikorsky’s long-awaited modified presidential VH-92A made its debut as Marine One on Monday, as it transported President Joe Biden from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (KORD) to the parking lot adjacent to the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, site of the Democratic National Convention.

The development program that led to the helicopter's entry into service has been plagued by two decades of delays in replacing the previous Vietnam-era helicopters assigned to the presidential mission.

Plans to update the Sikorsky VH-3D and VH-60N rotorcraft previously assigned to Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) for presidential transport started after the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001 during the George W. Bush administration but were interrupted by President Barack Obama due to cost overruns and delays.

A new program, dubbed “Patriot,” launched during the Obama administration and met challenges from issues with secure communications systems and problems with the VH-92’s exhaust system scorching the grass of the White House South Lawn landing area.

A modified version of Sikorsky’s combination civil/military S-92, the VH-92A is built and modified at Sikorsky's Coatesville, Pennsylvania, factory. It is powered by a pair of GE CT7-8A turboshaft engines. It received initial FAA certification in 2004.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

Democratic National Convention DNC Marine One Sikorsky VH-92A

Mark PhelpsAuthor

Mark Phelps is a senior editor at AVweb. He is an instrument rated private pilot and former owner of a Grumman American AA1B and a V-tail Bonanza.