The last of the US new Presidential helicopters handed over
The last helicopter was handed over at a ceremony on 19 August. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
The VH-92A is a militarised version of the S-92A and replaces the existing fleet of VH-3D, VH-60N and VH-92A helicopters.
The US Marine Corps and Presidential Helicopters Program Office (PMA-274) have taken delivery of the last of 23 Sikorsky VH-92A Patriot presidential helicopters, a fleet which will consist of 21 operational and two test aircraft.
The delivery brings to an end the production contract signed a decade ago after protracted competition. The effort originally collapsed in 2009 and saw Bell-Boeing, Boeing and AgustaWestland drop out as the militarised version of the S-92A helicopters became the frontrunner.
The 2014 contract was awarded by US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and initially involved building six aircraft at a cost of US$1.2 billion.
The VH-92A is improved beyond the commercial version and is integrated with government-defined mission systems and finished with executive interiors. The fleet will transport the President and Vice President of the US and other officials and continues the record of Sikorsky providing all helicopters to fulfil this role.
NAVAIR explained that the large fleet allows “for aircraft to be ready to support the executive lift mission, undergo various levels of maintenance, lifecycle upgrades, and provide assets for pilot/aircrew training.
“The new presidential helicopter was built to increase performance and payload over the VH-3D and VH-60N. It will provide enhanced crew coordination systems and communications capabilities in addition to improving availability and maintainability.”
The USMC will work with the White House Military Office, PMA-274, and Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) to ensure the conditions are set for a successful transition from the current in-service 10 VH-3D, six VH-60N and existing VH-92A to the new aircraft.
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Nuclear “Manhattan Project-type endeavour” plausible for AI advancement, says UK Chief of Defence Staff]()
Nuclear “Manhattan Project-type endeavour” plausible for AI advancement, says UK Chief of Defence Staff
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin also urged caution over a “drone-tastic” way of thinking when it comes to their use alongside traditional air and underwater domain platforms.
-
![Teal Drones delivers first Black Widows as parent company reports six-month loss]()
Teal Drones delivers first Black Widows as parent company reports six-month loss
In July 2025 Teal Drones was awarded Tranche 2 of the US Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) programme for a small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS).
-
![Planned Singapore fighter detachment in Guam scrapped]()
Planned Singapore fighter detachment in Guam scrapped
Singapore’s Ministry of Defence said the decision to discontinue discussions on the fighter training detachment was mutually agreed with the US.
-
![India fast-tracks indigenous MALE drones as US trade rift stalls big-ticket deals]()
India fast-tracks indigenous MALE drones as US trade rift stalls big-ticket deals
With US tariffs and stalled defence talks slowing imports, India has cleared a $3.4 billion plan for 87 tri‑service MALE UAVs with 60% indigenous content – accelerating self‑reliance as operational lessons from May’s four‑day conflict drive urgency.
-
![Elbit Systems discloses Iron Beam update and work on laser solution for IAF]()
Elbit Systems discloses Iron Beam update and work on laser solution for IAF
In its Q2 earnings call, the company said it has internal targets set for similar double-digit growth for 2026, as it welcomed a 21% boost in 2025 profits so far compared to 2024.
-
![Poland confirms US$3.8 billion F-16V upgrade]()
Poland confirms US$3.8 billion F-16V upgrade
The Mid-Life Upgrade agreement comes as Poland makes significant increases in its defence spend as its plans to increase it to 5% of GDP by 2026.
