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New US Presidential Helicopter requirement
From Aviation International News today
Navy Requests Info for Next Presidential Helicopter The U.S. Navy on Tuesday issued a request for information (RFI) for the helicopter that will possibly begin to replace the current fleet of “Marine One” Sikorsky VH-3Ds and VH-60Ns between 2017 and 2023. The RFI follows the termination of the VH-71 presidential helicopter program by the Pentagon last year and the subsequent approval of limited funds for “technology capture” of some of the $3.3 billion spent on that program by contractors Lockheed Martin, AgustaWestland and others. A Navy spokesperson told AIN, “The Navy is still assessing the best way to capture technology obtained from the [VH-71] presidential helicopters development programs as provided for by the FY2010 Defense Authorization and Appropriations Acts.” Meanwhile, the Navy, the White House Military Office and the Office of the Secretary of Defense are working to develop options for a revised replacement helicopter program. According to a spokesman for AgustaWestland, “We are looking at the RFI and are confident that the AW101 is the right helicopter for the mission.” Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin did not immediately provide comment to AIN. Responding parties have until March 3 to submit a letter of interest and April 19 to submit their final responses to the Naval Air Systems Command. |
mixed fleet??!!
from Flight International
New VXX competition reveals changes for US presidential helicopter By Stephen Trimble The US Navy has launched the process to buy a new presidential helicopter, nine months after deciding to cancel the Lockheed Martin/AgustaWestland VH-71 despite spending $3.2 billion. A request for information issued on 16 February asks industry to submit data about potential helicopter platforms that could fulfil the VXX mission. The results will feed an analysis of alternatives that is required before launching a competition or awarding a sole-source contract. Such reviews generally require 12-18 months to complete at a minimum, although it is possible the USN could shorten the timeframe based on the knowledge acquired during the previous VXX programme. The 27-page RFI document suggests the navy is considering making a major change to its acquisition strategy compared with the VH-71 process. Rather than buy a common aircraft to replace 11 Sikorsky VH-3Ds and eight Sikorsky VH-60s, the service would consider splitting the contract with a mixed fleet, the RFI says. Options under review include buying a common aircraft with two variants, or simply purchasing two different aircraft types. The RFI discusses buying one aircraft with a fully appointed executive suite, including galley and lavatory, and a different aircraft with a full load of command, control and communications equipment. Its proposed change appears aimed at addressing a key reason for the cost overruns and schedule delays that plagued the terminated contract for the VH-71. The navy required Lockheed to substantially redesign the VH-71 after contract award because the aircraft was not large or powerful enough to carry everything the presidential mission needed. The original competition for the VXX contract became a heated race between Sikorsky's "All-American" VH-92 and the Lockheed team's VH-71, which is based on the AgustaWestland AW101. The second round of bids is expected to include a challenge from Boeing, which has discussed offering a variant of its CH-47 Chinook or the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor. However, the RFI suggests that the latter type could be disadvantaged in the new competition, as the navy requires a speed of 140kt (260km/h), or roughly half of the V-22's capability. Meanwhile, the USN has revealed plans to invest $500 million to keep the current presidential helicopter fleet serviceable until the long-awaited replacement arrives. The VH-3Ds have been in service for nearly 40 years, while the VH-60s became operational in the late 1980s. |
Sikorsky, Lockheed bidding on Presidential helo
Sikorsky, Lockheed Teaming Up
Successful Bid for Presidential Helicopter Contract Would Mark Rebound for United Technologies Unit By PETER SANDERS STRATFORD, Conn.—Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and Lockheed Martin Corp., head-to-head competitors five years ago in the previous contest to build presidential helicopters, are expected to announce Monday that they are teaming up to bid on a new contract for a fleet of Marine One helicopters, according to two people familiar with the details. Sikorsky, a United Technologies Corp. unit that had built the presidential helicopter since 1957, was handed a stunning defeat in 2005 when the contract was awarded to a European rival, AgustaWestland, which had teamed up with Lockheed on a bid. Around that time, Sikorsky also faced a debilitating strike and erosion of its market share. But the Navy canceled that Marine One contract last June after repeated delays and cost overruns. If Sikorsky wins the new presidential-helicopter contract, it would cement the company's resurgence after a long rebuilding process. It isn't known at this time what other companies are preparing to submit a bid. Other bidders could include Boeing Co., Textron Inc.'s Bell Helicopters and Finmeccanica SpA's AgustaWestland. It is likely to be at least a year before the Pentagon names the winning bidder. A Lockheed official declined to comment ahead of Monday's expected announcement. Sikorsky would build the helicopter and Lockheed would provide the vast array of specialized systems within each craft. "The opportunity to win that business is something that excites every employee at this company," Jeffrey Pino, Sikorsky's president, said during a recent interview. "It's a real source of pride among all the workers, and people here talk about it all the time." For Mr. Pino, restoring pride among Sikorsky's work force has been a priority since he took the top job in March 2006. "Four years ago, we were in fourth place in the industry and we had a work force that didn't get along well with management," he said. Mr. Pino has since healed fractured relations with unions and positioned the company to take advantage of a Pentagon contract to build Black Hawk helicopters needed in Afghanistan and Iraq. Sikorsky's helicopter business now ranks second, just behind the Eurocopter unit of European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co. A former Army helicopter pilot and executive at Bell Helicopters, Mr. Pino has seen Sikorsky's revenue spike to $6.3 billion last year from $2.8 billion in 2005. Sikorsky won the five-year, $8.3 billion contract to build a total of 537 Black Hawk and Navy Seahawk helicopters in December 2007. When Mr. Pino took over, about 3,000 Sikorsky factory workers in Connecticut were in the midst of a six-week strike that crippled the company's production line. Once the walkout ended in April 2006, he set out to regain the workers' trust. While touring the company's Stratford, Conn., factory shortly after the strike ended, Mr. Pino said, he noticed that many of the workers were wearing motorcycle apparel. An avid rider, he suggested a company motorcycle ride. A few weeks later, he led a motorcycle procession stretching more than a mile through various Connecticut towns. Mr. Pino said he has sought to include workers' families in events at Sikorsky factories and keep them informed of industry and corporate happenings. Harvey Jackson, president of Teamsters Local 1150, which represents the company's union workers, said Mr. Pino has made "a gallant and decent effort" to make sure that the improved employee-managementrelations stay intact. The helicopter business is fragmented. Multiple global companies compete to build two-person trainers, sleek executive craft, workhorse choppers for law enforcement and medical transport, and helicopters for military use. Sikorsky has long aimed to provide helicopters for the heavy-lift military sector, as well as large helos used in industries such as offshore oil drilling. Its rivals include AgustaWestland, Bell and Eurocopter. Sikorsky churns out roughly 17 Hawk-family helicopters a month from factories in Connecticut, New York and Florida. As the Obama administration presses the war in Afghanistan, helicopters are the linchpin in the strategy to move troops and materiel around the country. To clear more space for military production in the U.S., Sikorsky has moved almost all final assembly of its civilian line of large helicopters from its Stratford headquarters to a factory in Pennsylvania. The company plans to open a final-assembly plant in Poland soon to produce for European militaries. The company has been a bright spot during the recession for UTC, which is based in Hartford, Conn. Sikorsky has added jobs in its home state as UTC's engine-maker Pratt & Whitney and aircraft-parts supplier Hamilton Sundstrand have shuttered factories and laid off workers. Since 2006, Sikorsky has added more than 1,900 jobs at its Connecticut operations alone. Sikorsky has added about 5,600 jobs world-wide since 2006. The company's global work force now numbers approximately 17,000 employees. Write to Peter Sanders at [email protected] |
Lockheed Martin abandons Agustawestland?
Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin Announce teaming agreement to compete for the VXX Presidential helicopter program | Shephard Group
Smart move on behalf of Sikorsky, tough times ahead for the AW-101 in the VXX competition. |
It looks like the status quo will return The KC-X will go to Boeing with the KC-767 as Airbus have pulled out, CSAR-X went to Sikorsky with more later model Black Hawks Based on UH-60M and MH-60M, The army get more F model Chinooks and the VXX will go to the S-92 as the AW-101 has been pushed aside and everyone is happy , on a side note if the VXX is the S-92 watch how quick the run dry xmssn , 5 blade head and increase gross weight to 13.5 tonne are rolled out which will be good news for the civil market with role ons from the VXX program, S-92 B model anyone.
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CSAR-X went to Sikorsky, when?
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The CSAR cancelled article was from Jun 09 , last months Australian Aviation had an article that as the CSAR had been cancelled the USAF was just going to buy new Blackhawks to replace the Pavehawks and modify to suit, as the UH60M already has fadec engines and glass cockpit and the MH60M has CT7-8A's fitted and flir and radar , much cheaper and easier options.
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The CSAR-X was to replace the Pave Lows in addition to the Blackhawks, also it aimed more to the CSAR mission rather than the SOC typical in/exfiltration one.
Something shall come up soon and I bet Sikorsky shall get the S-92 involved. |
Boeing to offer Italian AW101 for White House helicopter By Stephen Trimble Boeing will secure a license to offer a US-built version of the AgustaWestland AW101 in a move that shakes up a repeat competition to replace the presidential helicopter fleet. The proposed “Boeing 101” helicopter means the manufacturer of the US Air Force's VC-25 – sometimes known as Air Force One – will compete to supply the White House’s rotary-wing transport. “We believe we are uniquely positioned to make the most of the [US] Navy’s significant investment in this aircraft,” says Phil Dunford, vice president and general manager of Boeing Rotorcraft. A Lockheed Martin/AgustaWestland team previously won the presidential helicopter contract in 2004, but a series of required design changes that drove up costs led to the termination of the contract five years later. http://www.flightglobal.com/assets/g...x?ItemID=25936 Lockheed has now teamed up with Sikorsky, its former rival, to offer the VH-92 to the navy for the presidential helicopter requirement. Navy officials have launched the competitive process for the so-called VXX contract by starting an analysis of alternatives. A request for proposals is expected to follow the study phase of the contract. Boeing’s proposal would transfer all intellectual property, data and production rights for the AW101 from Italy and the UK to the USA, the company says. The move comes as Boeing’s supporters in Congress have attempted to legally restrict the Department to Defense from buying aircraft that have benefitted from subsidies provided by European governments. Such subsidies have become a key issue in the debate about the competition for the USAF's KC-X tanker, with the Boeing KC-767 NewGen Tanker competing against a modified Airbus A330-200 offered by EADS North America as the KC-45. |
I wonder if Boeing is successful with fighting tooth and nail with the Pentagon and White House for the 101. Then they'll have to AgustaWestland will have to aggressively sell the ICH-47F model Chinook to various NATO nations and beyond to the Middle East therefore giving Boeing a larger foothold in the rotorcraft business?
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I can't wait to see Boeing going to the Pentagon one day and argueing long and hard that they should buy american for the KC-X Tanker, then the next day go in and try and sell a European helicopter as their own... absolutely priceless :} Jeez Boeing you do indeed give substance to the long held opinion that Americans don't understand irony!! :ugh:
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Interesting article on Boeing's dilemma in yesterday's Av Week shownews. Haven't seen contortions like this since the last time I went to a Cirque du Soleil show. :E
Boeing has to tread carefully as it bids a European helicopter for White House lift requirement Av Week ShowNews July 20 When it comes to tankers, Boeing is pretty clear that the European aircraft on offer to the U.S. are awful – inferior, subsidized products that will destroy American jobs and hurt the military. When it comes to Presidential helicopters though, Boeing is clear that the European aircraft on offer are by far the best products and any military, let alone any President, would be delighted to fly in them. With its vituperative anti-Airbus rhetoric, has Boeing dug a hole for itself when it comes to bidding Anglo-Italian AgustaWestland AW101 for the U.S. Navy’s re-launched VXX “Marine 1” Presidential Helicopter competition? After all, the AW101 was described by its competitors as a helicopter built by “socialists” in the last VXX bidding round (when the AW101 triumphed, you’ll recall) and is a program that has certainly been in receipt of subsidies (for the commercial version). “There is no contradiction between the tanker and the helicopter programs,” Dennis Mullenberg, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space and Security, confidently tells Show News. “It’s true we’ve emphasized the need for a fair and level playing field for KC-X, but our proposed approach for the Presidential Helicopter will generate significantly more U.S. jobs than our competitors. “The helicopter is different because it will be built in the U.S. by U.S. workers – is not an approach where the helicopter is built elsewhere, like last time. Plus the military 101 never got launch aid. So we think it is very consistent with what we’ve said about the tanker.” It will also be interesting to watch AgustaWestland’s previous program partner tie itself in knots as it seeks to dismiss the same aircraft that it selected for – and won – the original VXX/VH-71 competition. This time around Lockheed Martin is partnered with VXX loser Sikorsky. |
When the KC-X is discussed, it always seems to come down to a us vs them type of discussion. What really needs to be looked at is the history of the the USAF Tankers. They are not the sexiest aircraft out there (like the fighters and bombers) but it is probably the most important aircraft in the air battle space. It is a force multiplier, that allows combat aircraft to carry more ordinance and fly longer and further. This contract really needs to properly done, because it will effect so many other mission.
Many years ago when the KC10 was ordered, it was said that it would replace the 'old' KC135. It didn't. The reason it didn't was that SAC (Strategic Air Command) had it figured out. Based on SAC's experience, they figured out that during any launch, that X number of aircraft would become mission incapable prior to completing the mission objective. And based on the fact that the tankers are the heaviest used combat aircraft, the odds are that a majority of these mission incapable aircraft would be tankers. Then the more receiving aircraft per tanker, the less likely that enough receiving aircraft will get enough fuel to complete their mission. Leading to a strong possibility of mission failure. As for the KC-X being used for other roles, it doesn't make any sense to do that. The KC135 has an upper cargo deck, which is hardly ever used. The aircraft is too busy doing its primary mission. Refueling. And that will be the case for the KC-X. It is way too busy refueling to be used just to move trash around. Plus one other major point. The 135 has been out there for over 50 years, day in and day out. How many 50 year old Airbuses are out there? Boeing has a track record with the Air Force for building long lived airframes. If something works, DON'T F**K with it. And it looks like someone at Boeing HQ has dropped the ball. They already have the best large helicopter out there for moving personnel, the Chinook. |
Chinook the best large helicopter? I think not
It may have a good load fraction but would you really want to put your President in one that often?
Chinook (or rather the BV234 derivative) was busted out of the civil pax market by a combination of vibration, awkward costs and awkward secondary safety issues. Knut Lande showed me round one at Helikopter Service and I couldn't believe the leaks, awkward access panels, tiny emergency exits and large damping masses needed. You could add deep carpets and curtains, but remember all those Sarah Palin lipstick jokes ... This is an aircraft for hard men, not a regular ride for heads of state. |
I believe that Sarah Palin actually looks far better than a Chinook, she's somewhat underrated.:E
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So long as she rotates and vibrates, does that put her in competition for the "Fly Me, I am the President" program? :eek:
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Would a Chinook fit onto the South Lawn? It is my impression that the South Lawn landing area is not very large, and the current helicopters are already a tight fit.
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What a saving
Had to laugh when I saw how much was "saved" by cancelling the VH-71
3.3 billion spent 555 million plus unspecified amount for cancellation. 8.4 billion for VH-3D rework. Sikorsky Gets $8.4B Navy Helicopter Contract. | Planenews Aviation News SEATTLE: The U.S. Defense Department said Wednesday it will modify an existing contract with Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and pay the contractor $8.4 billion for the VH-3D executive helicopter special progressive aircraft rework induction. Sikorsky, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., will perform the work in Stratford, Conn., for the Naval Air systems Command of Patuxent River, Md. The department said the job is expected to be completed in August 2011. Also how much is it going to cost to make the S92 fit the contract??? |
That VH-3D contract was actually only $8.4 million.
Lockheed Martin has received two additional awards this year totaling $70 million for post-cancellation costs, and the VH-71 airframes are still being offered for sale. Rumor has it Canada may take a handful due to airframe corrosion issues with their CH-149s. $3 billion was a drop in the ocean compared to the $1-3 trillion spent on OIF & OEF, but it would still have been political suicide for any politician (well, other than Rep. Hinchey) to back the procurement of 28 $465 million VIP helicopters during a recession. I/C |
Millions?
IC,
Millions sound more likely than billions but 8 million won't go far! This article seems to say the lower figure was a typo, or have I got the wrong end of the stick? How Much Money Did Canceling the VH-71 Save? | Defense Procurement News Update — The Associated Press and other media corrected this report to say that it was an extension of a contract worth $8.4 million. The total contract value with the extension is over $8 billion. The point stands that there will be a cost associated with keeping the aging systems working while a new system is developed.
One of the programs that was ended as part of the Obama and Gate’s defense reforms was the new Presidential Transport helicopter. Lockheed Martin (LMT) and its Italian partner, Finmeccanica, had won the contract to build a new helicopter to ferry the President around replacing a fleet of venerable VH-3 and VH-60 aircraft made by Sikorsky (UTC). The program had faced cost and schedule issues due to massive requirements creep that caused the total cost to balloon. In 2009 the Navy pulled the plug on the program and started over. Because a whole new program began it meant that the existing aircraft would need to extend their planned service lives. Some in Congress, especially Congressman Hinchey (D-NY), who represented the area where Lockheed Martin was doing the work on the program argued that this decision could end up being more expensive then continuing the existing program. Lockheed and Finmeccanica did offer a reduced cost program utilizing the aircraft already purchased that could meet some of the requirements but not all of them. One aspect that was raised that there would be a cost related to continuing the use of the older aircraft as they would need to be maintained and modified to stay in use. Today the Defense Department announced that they were awarding Sikorsky a contract to carry out “VH-3D executive helicopter special progressive aircraft rework induction.” This means money to overhaul and update the current fleet of VH-3 aircraft. The estimated value of this contract is over $8 billion. This is money that is needed because the President’s aircraft must be maintained to the highest standard. This does illustrate that in some ways Congressman Hinchey was right. The money saved by ending the VH-71 will now go to keeping the older aircraft flying and starting the new program. Eight billion dollars will buy you a great deal of helicopters and capability. Not neccessarily what you wanted in the VH-71 but certainly it would go a long way to meeting the needs of that program. Penny wise and pound foolish as my Nana use to say. Read more: How Much Money Did Canceling the VH-71 Save? | Defense Procurement News |
Oldgrubber,
Yes, it was a typo. As your article states, HMX-1 support contracts are pretty common due to the cargo carried. The $8.4 million contract was just one of seven totaling $91 million that were awarded during CY-09. I/C |
If you enjoyed the Antonov An-112 bid for KC-X, you're sure to like the latest chapter in the VXX saga:
China to offer AC313 for VXX In the VXX programme, which was revived by Washington in February 2010 after being cancelled in 2009 because of cost overruns, the partnership are planning to bid with AVIC's 13-tonne AC-313 medium-lift transport helicopter, which is principally designed for civilian use. The VXX programme is worth about USD6 billion and, if USAE-AVIC bids for the contract, it is likely to be up against the AgustaWestland AW101 and the Sikorsky S-92 medium-lift helicopters. The USN is expected to procure more than 20 platforms to replace the existing Sikorsky VH-3 and VH-60 helicopters from around 2017. I/C |
Chinese stealth fighter maker may soon be flying Obama in its choppers!
February 4, 2011 – 12:55 pm By News Desk | Washington, Feb 4 Barack Obama and future US presidents may one day fly on Chinese made helicopters, as the United States is looking to replace the aging Marine One fleet used by its president. China Aviation Industry Corp. known as AVIC is also developing the J-20 stealth fighter, which made its first public test flight last month. The J-20 appears to be designed to rival US F-22 Raptor, the world’s only fully operational stealth fighter AVIC has teamed up with a California company to try to launch bids for US defense contracts, including one to supply Chinese helicopters to replace Marine One fleet. AVIC has been in talks for more than a year with California-based US Aerospace Inc. about offering the AC-313 – China’s largest domestically produced helicopter – as the next generation of the Marine One fleet, The Wall Street Journal reports. The AC-313, which made its first flight last year, is powered by three engines made by Pratt and Whitney, a unit of United Technologies Corp. and can seat up to 27 passengers and two crew members. It is designed to compete with the likes of Sikorsky and AgustaWestland in the global market for civilian helicopters. “It may sound ludicrous but that doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. We want China to supply aircraft to the US because we think it makes economic sense,” said John Kirkland, a lawyer for U.S. Aerospace who is directly involved in the negotiations and authorized to speak on the company’s behalf. The Marine One fleet consists of 19 helicopters – 11 Sikorsky VH-3Ds that entered service in 1976 and eight smaller Sikorsky VH-60Ns, which were introduced in 1989. In 2005, the US Navy awarded a contract to supply a replacement dubbed the V-XX to a US team led by Lockheed Martin for delivery between 2009 and 2014. By 2009, however, the cost of the program had escalated and, under political pressure, President Obama canceled the contract and asked the Navy to find a cheaper option. The people involved in the partnership say the two companies have also been discussing putting AVIC’s new L-15 trainer jet as a candidate to replace the US fleet of Northrop T-38s, The Wall Street Journal reports. (ANI) |
Why not up-grade the CH-53D.....it would fill the bill quite well I would think.
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The CH-53A/D was considered back in the 1970s. It was rejected, at that time, for being too large and having too significant a downwash signature.
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The Chinese have two chances of winning VXX...
F%&k all, and None! |
What would best fit the bill is a helicopter with a rear ramp access to load luggage and stores,with good cabin space for up to 15-20 passengers and most importantly a US designed dynamic system,engines and avionics.
Oh my...fits the AC313 to a tee..and helps US-Chinese diplomatic relations. P.S. If the Russians can buy foreign helicopters for their president why not Obama ? |
From Wikipedia, the fount of all knowledge.
Following Chinese certification, the first AC313 is to be delivered to Flying Dragon Special Aviation, in 2011. Avicopter has plans to certify the AC313 for sales in Europe and the United States. The AC313 has possibly also been offered by China Aviation Industry Corp, in co-operation with U.S. Aerospace Inc, to replace the Marine One helicopter(s), used to transport the President of the United States.[6] It is very unlikely that this offer will be accepted.[6] |
So the RFP is being issued .. again!
6 May, 13 Today the Navy issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) in the Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program (VXX). Proposals are due in 90 days with a goal to award a fixed-price incentive engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) contract, with production options, by mid-calendar year 2014. Who's willing to place a wager on Sikorsky coming through this time? |
Why not an Osprey....it could be a Dandy for trips in the Northeast....and allow the 747's and G-5's to sit on the ramp more often....as they are overkill for short trips.
After all....the Osprey is a well proven safe aircraft isn't it? Bell has not had a Presidential Aircraft since when....Eisenhower? |
R66 if they are lookin to save funds, after all, wouldnt do to fly the President of the USof A in some EU or perish the thought a Brit built thingy..:=
Peter-RB Lancashire |
Who's willing to place a wager on Sikorsky coming through this time? Offerors will be highly encouraged to propose an existing, in-production helicopter platform from which the VXX will be derived. It is the Government's desire to hold development to an absolute minimum on the VXX Program and focus the program effort on integration of mature subsystems on a mature platform. While minor changes to the platform to accommodate integration of subsystems are inevitable, change to major components such as drive train, rotors, engines and basic structure is highly discouraged. In keeping with this approach, the Offerors will be encouraged to not propose any design elements that contain immature technology or that might be deemed Critical Technology Elements (CTEs). Plus, this precludes SAC from implementing their long-awaited desperately needed 5-bladed rotor for the 92 (especially at a HGW VXX iteration). |
Bell has not had a Presidential Aircraft since when....Eisenhower? 1957: Eisenhower becomes first US President to fly in a helicopter - Bell 47J Ranger. 1958: Sikorsky CH-34 becomes 'official' Presidential helicopter. 1961: Sikorsky VH-3A replaces VH-34 (first aircraft to be called "Marine One"). 1962: President Kennedy commissions 'USA' titles on aircraft livery. 1964: Bell VH-1N introduced during President Lyndon Johnson's administration; for use during visits to Vail, Colorado. 1970: Bell UH-1N used for Presidential transport (Nixon). 1976: Sikorsky VH-3D replaces UH-1N. So, technically, the last 'official' Bell would have been one of the UH-1N's used during the Nixon administration. https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-k...UH1N+Nixon.jpg Bell UH-1N as used during the Nixon years Note: I am not 100% on all of the above details. . |
That looks more a USMC or USAF (more on the former given the uniform drab if glossy finish) UH-1N.
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Tottigol: Looking now at the air intake, it is definitely a UH-1N (ie. 212).
But .. it gets confusing because the USAF operate these .. http://www.zap16.com/zapp/wp-content...08-600x275.jpg .. also 'white tops' but not normally used for Presidential transport. With an S92? Not bloody likely. |
If the S-92 hasn't a chance, why would Sikorsky even bid on the project? :confused:
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Sav,
The Air Force for sure and perhaps the Army and Marine Corps have aircraft assigned to evacuate Critical Staff in the event of Major Hostilities that would affect Continuity of Government. The USAF uses UH-1N models for that....or did anyway. At one time the Army was using H-21's for that duty. |
VH-1N for High Alt Ops
HMX-1 had a small fleet of VH-1Ns to support President Lyndon Johnson’s vacation trips to Vail, CO. Once he left office they were retired.
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The President’s Marine helicopter squadron received the first of 12 MV-22 Ospreys on April 5, although the president will not be traveling aboard the tilt-rotor aircraft with the checkered early flight history. The Ospreys that join the Marine Helicopter Squadron One fleet will carry presidential support staff and the media rather than the President of the United States. Marines will paint the Ospreys in the squadron green. The VH-3D Sea King and VH-60 White Hawks that carry the president are painted white on top and called “white tops.” The Marines started flight operations with the Osprey on April 26, however the tilt-rotor aircraft will not start carrying reporters and presidential support staff until later in 2013, according to the Marine announcement. http://th03.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/...te-d64dpgk.jpg |
The V22 won't win. No " foreign" helicopter will win. It's America and the President will fly American, the S-92 will win.
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