The Aviation Report referenced in this report.
Presidential Helicopter Plan VH-3D/VH-60N
Marine Helicopter Squadron One’s (HMX-1) missions include worldwide transportation for the President of the United States and transportation within the National Capital Region for the Vice President of the United States, members of the President’s cabinet, and visiting heads of state. HMX-1 continues to conduct operational test and evaluation for rotary wing Presidential lift aircraft. HMX-1 is currently conducting an in-stride transition from legacy VH-3D and VH-60N aircraft to the VH-92A.
The U.S. Marine Corps declared initial operational capability for the VH-92A in December 2021 and HMX-1 began its introduction into operational missions in 2022 following White House commissioning events. Both aircraft have been through a Service Life Extension Program and have sufficient hours to support the mission through full transition to the VH-92A. Aircraft will be retired as they reach airframe hours limits and as the VH-92A takes on more of the mission.
VH-3D aircraft are anticipated to continue serving through 2026. Due to their unique capabilities in high/hot environments, the VH-60N aircraft are anticipated to continue serving through 2030 before being fully retired. No major upgrades are currently planned for either aircraft. However, minor communications upgrades may be necessary to ensure the remaining legacy aircraft are operationally relevant until the squadron has completely transitioned to the VH-92A.
VH-92A
HMX-1 is supporting assigned tasking according to the White House Military Office Transition Plan, which stipulates an event-driven, multi-phased approach to replace legacy aircraft with the VH-92A. HMX-1 currently has 10 VH-92As to support mission tasking
Production is complete on the 23 aircraft POR and the Marine Corps accepted the final VH-92A in August 2024. Once fully transitioned and divested of legacy aircraft, HMX-1 will operate 16 VH-92As. Major investments in the VH-92A program include improving aircraft performance in high/hot environments and increasing available bandwidth in the aircraft through BLOS systems.