Pentagon orders 26 TH-73A Thrasher helicopters
TH-73A will train aviators from the US Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. (Photo: Leonardo)
The DoD has awarded Leonardo AgustaWestland Philadelphia a $110.5 million firm-fixed-price modification to the previous contract for the US Navy’s Advanced Helicopter Training System (AHTS).
Leonardo announced on 24 December that the Pentagon is acquiring an additional 26 TH-73A Thrasher helicopters. The DoD awarded AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corp a $110.5 million firm-fixed-price modification to the previously awarded contract for the US Navy’s Advanced Helicopter Training System (AHTS).
The helicopters will be produced in Philadelphia, and work is expected to be completed in December 2024. The TH-73A will train aviators from the US Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
In January 2020, Leonardo, through AgustaWestland Philadelphia, was awarded a $176 million firm-fixed-price agreement for the supply of 32 TH-73A helicopters, spares, support, dedicated equipment and specific pilot/maintenance training services.
Related Articles
Training capability jumps as TH-73A arrives
US Navy has bold plans for future aviator training
Leonardo boosted by 2021 aircraft order increase, notes ‘limited exposure’ to Russia
However, the company could not proceed with production due to an Airbus protest on the deal. In May 2020, the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) announced that it has dismissed Airbus's protest and approved Leonardo's work to continue on production of the first batch.
The second lot of 36 aircraft was ordered in November 2020 through a $171 million contract modification. In December 2021, the DoD awarded a $159.4 million deal for the third lot of 36 helicopters.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Nepal expands M28 light transport fleet under new US Foreign Military Financing buy]()
Nepal expands M28 light transport fleet under new US Foreign Military Financing buy
PZL-Mielec will supply an additional two M28 twin-turboprop light transport aircraft to Nepal's air force.
-
![RAF boss hopes for a return to a five-aircraft E-7 buy]()
RAF boss hopes for a return to a five-aircraft E-7 buy
While the RAF may hope to return to its original plan for a five-strong E-7 AEW fleet, the service will still have to wait until 2024 to receive its first aircraft.
-
![Turkey develops sanction-busting system to secure naval helicopters]()
Turkey develops sanction-busting system to secure naval helicopters
A newly developed system for securing and transferring helicopters on the flight decks of Turkish I-class frigates is being rolled out to replace the Canadian-supplied ASIST equipment.
-
![Aerosonde UAV makes first operational flight from USS Miguel Keith]()
Aerosonde UAV makes first operational flight from USS Miguel Keith
The Textron UAS is also deployed on three other USN ships.
