Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, celebrated the delivery of the 23rd and final VH-92A® Patriot® presidential helicopter to the US Marine Corps in a recent ceremony. 

As announced, the US Marine Corps formally accepted the next-generation, VH-92A presidential helicopter, marking a significant milestone for the company, whose helicopters have flown every US president since 1957.

The VH-92A helicopter will transport the President and Vice President of the United States and other officials. The VH-92A, also called a “White Top” due to its notable white and green livery, will continue this legacy for decades to come.

The VH-92A program is based on Sikorsky’s S-92 commercial platform, which was modified at Sikorsky facilities for the VH-92A mission based on government-defined requirements.

The new presidential helicopter was built to increase performance and payload capacity over its predecessors, the VH-3D and VH-60N. It will also provide enhanced crew coordination systems and communications capabilities, in addition to improving availability and maintainability.

VH-92A’s technical characteristics:

• Crew: 4 
• Transport capacity: 14 passengers
• Length: 17.12 m
• Width: 5.23 m
• Height: 4.70 m
• Max takeoff weight: 2,565 kg
• Powerplant: 2 × General Electric CT7-8A turboshaft engine
• Main rotor diameter: 17.17 m
• Maximum speed: 306 km/h
• Cruise speed: 280 km/h
• Range: 998 km
• Service ceiling: 4,300 m

The Marine Corps works to ensure the conditions are set for a successful transition from the current in-service VH-3D and VH-60N helicopters to the VH-92A. Currently, there are 10 VH-3D’s, 6 VH-60N’s, and 9 VH-92A’s that support various missions.

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