The 23rd and final Sikorsky VH-92A leaves the company’s modification center in Owego, New York. (Sikorsky)
Sikorsky has delivered the 23rd and final VH-92A presidential transport helicopter to the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), according to separate service and company press releases issued August 19.
Twenty-one of the VH-92As will be used by the USMC’s Presidential Transport Squadron HMX-1 as the primary presidential helicopter transport; the other two will be retained for testing. The VH-92A will replace the 10 Sikorsky VH-3Ds that the squadron currently operates. These first entered service in 1978 and are based on the SH-3 Sea King, a type that was retired from US service in 2006.
Also on August 19, US President Joe Biden made his first flight aboard a VH-92A en route to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. This was the first time a VH-92A flew with the call sign Marine One, as is customary for any USMC helicopter with the President on board.
The VH-92A is based on the civilian S-92 modified with a VIP interior and special communications systems. The S-92 (and VH-92A) is powered by two GE CT7-8A turboshaft engines rated at 1,879 kW (2,520 hp) at takeoff. The civilian version of the S-92 can take off with up to 12 passengers or 12,020 kg (26,500 lb) of cargo and can fly up to 539 nautical miles (998 km, 620 mi). Although the specifications of the VH-92A have not been publicly disclosed, it is likely to be slightly less capable due to the weight of the communications and self-defense equipment. The helicopter can be transported by a Boeing C-17 transport aircraft.
For more information, seeThe US Navy contracts Sikorsky to supply VH-92A LRIP helicopters.
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