CaliToday (23/9/2025): Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), has been awarded a $16 million delivery order to manufacture and test a new main rotor system for the VH-92A presidential helicopter program.
This crucial upgrade aims to enhance the performance and reliability of the "White Top" helicopter fleet, responsible for the worldwide vertical lift of the President of the United States.
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| File photo by Eric Huynh |
According to the Department of Defense announcement, the order provides for the materials to build and assemble the new main rotor test articles and facilities. It also covers system test and evaluation support for both ground and flight testing. These efforts are directly linked to the U.S. Navy's initiative to increase the VH-92A's dual rotor power margin through a comprehensive design, integration, testing, and certification process.
The work will be performed across several states, with the majority taking place in Stratford, Connecticut, where Sikorsky is headquartered. Other work locations include Newtown, Pennsylvania; Lynn, Massachusetts; Salt Lake City, Utah; Norcross, Georgia; Berlin, Connecticut; West Chester, Ohio; Springfield, Massachusetts; and Plainview, New York. The contract is expected to be completed by December 2027.
The Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River, Maryland, is managing the contract activity. The order, issued against a previously established agreement, was not competitively procured. At the time of the award, $3,639,848 from the Navy's fiscal year 2025 research, development, test, and evaluation budget was allocated.
The VH-92A "Patriot" Mission
The VH-92A Patriot presidential transport helicopter is built upon the FAA-certified Sikorsky S-92 airframe. It is a highly modified aircraft, integrating a government-defined mission communications system and an executive interior to meet the stringent requirements of its high-profile mission.
The United States Marine Corps' Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) currently operates the VH-92A as the presidential "White Top" helicopter, having replaced the aging fleet of VH-3D Sea King and VH-60N White Hawk aircraft.
Internationally, the Republic of Korea Air Force also utilizes a version of the S-92 airframe in its presidential fleet. While similar in appearance, the South Korean aircraft is not identical to the U.S. Marine Corps' VH-92A, which incorporates a bespoke communications suite and other mission-specific enhancements.
The VH-92A program has faced notable delays in recent years, particularly as the Navy and its contractors have worked to resolve integration challenges related to its complex mission systems. This latest rotor development effort is a key part of ensuring the platform meets the rigorous performance standards demanded for the presidential transport role by increasing the helicopter's power margins, which is critical for safety and operational flexibility.
