The U.S. Marine Corps has formally accepted the 23rd and final next-generation VH-92A presidential helicopter, marking a major milestone in the long-standing partnership between Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, and the U.S. government.
This delivery solidifies Sikorsky’s legacy of providing air transport for every U.S. president since 1957.
“This delivery represents a significant milestone and new chapter in the rich, 67-year history of Marines providing helicopter transport for the president of the United States,” said Lieutenant General Bradford Gering, Deputy Commandant for Aviation. “The VH-92A Patriot® brings increased capabilities for this no-fail mission supporting the Commander-in-Chief around the world. Sikorsky’s contribution to Marine Aviation has enabled your United States Marine Corps to be a ready and lethal fighting force.”
The final delivery of the VH-92A signifies the successful completion of a program that has consistently met its budgetary and scheduling goals. The Presidential Helicopters Program Office (PMA-274) and the Marine Corps accepted the last of these helicopters in August, bringing the total inventory to 23 aircraft—21 operational and two test units. This fleet size is designed to ensure readiness for the executive lift mission, allowing for maintenance, lifecycle upgrades, and pilot/aircrew training without disrupting operational availability.
“This exceptional team has successfully completed the program of record for the VH-92A within budget and schedule,” said Brigadier General David Walsh, Program Executive Officer for Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault, and Special Mission Programs. “This helicopter not only embodies the hard work and dedication of those responsible for building and delivering the aircraft, but it will remain a recognizable patriotic asset known around the globe for safety, security, and reliability.”
The journey of the VH-92A began in May 2014, when PMA-274, with approval from the Navy, awarded Sikorsky a contract to develop the next-generation presidential helicopter. The VH-92A is a derivative of the commercial S-92, designed to enhance performance, payload capacity, and crew coordination systems while improving communication capabilities, availability, and maintainability over its predecessors, the VH-3D and VH-60N.
As the Marine Corps prepares for a smooth transition from the legacy helicopters to the new VH-92A, close collaboration with the White House Military Office, PMA-274, and Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) is critical. The current fleet supporting HMX-1 includes 10 VH-3Ds, six VH-60Ns, and nine VH-92As.
“Between the program staff and artisans within Sikorsky and PMA-274, we have the best and brightest,” said Colonel Alex Ramthun, PMA-274 Program Manager. “Not only have we delivered increased performance and reduced maintenance costs and time over the current fleet of presidential helicopters, but we have also delivered the next phase of Marine One helicopters. Knowing those who step aboard any of the 21 VH-92As will have absolute top-notch execution, maintenance, and service for the life of the aircraft makes me proud to be part of this amazing team.”
The VH-92A Patriot is now in the midst of a phased plan to ensure a safe and timely transition, ensuring that the Marine Corps continues to provide reliable and secure transport for the President of the United States.