Rotorhub
US Navy relaunches US presidential helicopter programme
The US Navy has launched a fresh effort to procure a presidential helicopter, with the release of a request for information (RfI) to industry on 16 February.
The Presidential Vertical Lift Platform(s) (VXX) programme aims to find a helicopter to replace the existing fleet of VH-3D/VH-60N aircraft and follows the cancellation last year of the previous effort, which centred development of the Lockheed Martin/ AgustaWestland VH-71.
Now, the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is conducting a market survey that will inform an analysis of alternatives (AoA) for a VXX aircraft.
With the VH-71 programme plagued by cost overruns and schedule delays, the 27-page RfI suggested the navy is trying a different approach, possibly with a mixed fleet to meet the requirement. Rather than a single common aircraft, the service is considering two variants: an executive variant and a ‘significantly lighter, performance based, C4I capable variant with reduced or configurable/removable VIP amenities’.
The RfI said this could be met either by two variants of the same type or simply by two different aircraft.
Other specific requirements include the ability to carry 10-14 passengers, a range of 150nm to 275nm, transportable on C-17 and C-5 aircraft, speed of 140 knots with mission fuel and payload, and advanced communications and defensive aids systems.
The new aircraft will have an initial operating capability in the 2017-2023 timeframe, according to the document, which also said to assume between three and five lots of procurement for a total procurement of between 23 and 28 aircraft.
As well as the contenders for the original programme, Sikorsky with its VH-92, and Lockheed Martin with the VH-71 (a variant of the AgustaWestland AW101), other possible contenders include Boeing with the CH-47 Chinook and the Bell-Boeing team offering the V-22 tiltrotor.
Tony Skinner, London
Email this to a friend.