Sikorsky awarded contract for VH-92A Patriot presidential helicopter support

The VH-92A helicopters, part of the Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program (VXX), replaced ageing VH-3D Sea Kings and VH-60N White Hawks in service with HMX-1 Nighthawks squadron. The final of 23 units was delivered on 19 August 2024, with President Joe Biden becoming the first VIP to fly aboard the new aircraft on the same day.

Originally, the VH-92A’s predecessor, the S-92 (H-92 Superhawk), was rejected in favour of the VH-71 Kestrel (AgustaWestland AW101), but cost overruns led to a programme revision in 2012. Sikorsky became the sole competitor in mid-2013, and on 7 May 2014, its VH-92A was officially selected.

Two prototypes were developed for research and testing, accumulating over 520 flight hours. The programme includes key subcontractors such as FlightSafety International, L-3 Communications, Northrop Grumman, Rockwell Collins, Vought Aircraft Industries, and GE-Aviation.

The first VH-92A prototype flew on 28 July 2017, with its inaugural White House lawn landing occurring on 22 September 2018. On 10 June 2019, the US Navy awarded Sikorsky a $542 million contract for low-rate initial production of the first six helicopters.

Despite this progress, the programme faced delays. A November 2021 Department of Defense report stated that the helicopter did not meet requirements for reliability, availability, or maintainability, and noted fuel leaks during test landings.

Sikorsky implemented corrective measures, and on 28 December 2021, the VH-92A achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC). It was officially named “Patriot” in 2022, although operational flights for the US President and Vice President remain restricted due to secure communications issues and damage caused to the White House’s South Lawn during landings.