The VH-92A aircraft is based on Sikorsky’s successful and FAA-certified S-92A commercial aircraft, which recently surpassed one million flight hours.

Lockheed Martin has now disclosed that the VH-92A presidential helicopter has made its maiden
flight on Jul. 28.

The flight took place at Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, Connecticut and signals the start of the 250 hour flight test program, which will take place at Lockheed Martin facilities in Owego, New York.

Two flights were made that day with both sorties being one hour long. Engineering Development Model 1 (EDM-1) made hovering control checks, low speed flight, and a pass of the airfield.

“This first flight of the VH-92A configured test aircraft is an important milestone for the program,” said Spencer Elani, director VH-92A program at Sikorsky. “Having independently tested the aircraft’s components and subsystems, we are now moving forward to begin full aircraft system qualification via the flight test program.”

As the flight test program proceeds, EDM-1 will be joined by an additional test aircraft (EDM-2) over the course of the 12-month flight test program. EDM-2 is on track for its first flight later this year.

The VH-92A aircraft is based on Sikorsky’s successful and FAA-certified S-92A commercial aircraft, which recently surpassed one million flight hours. The S-92A aircraft, assembled in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, is being modified to include integration of government-defined missions systems and an executive interior.

“With this successful first flight on the books, we look forward to completion of Sikorsky’s flight test program, operational testing and production of this aircraft to support the Office of the President of the United States,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Robert Pridgen, program manager for the Naval Air System Command’s Presidential Helicopter’s Program Office.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $1.24 billion fixed-price incentive Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract with production options to Sikorsky on May 7, 2014. The EMD contract will produce a total of six aircraft: two test aircraft and four production aircraft. The production options for the remaining 17 aircraft will be finalized in FY19.

The VH-92A will enter into service in 2020. The VH-92A will transport the president and vice president of the United States and other officials. The helicopter will feature the distinctive call sign “Marine One” which identifies any United States Marine Corps (USMC) aircraft carrying the President of the United States (while a USMC aircraft carrying the Vice President has the call sign Marine Two).

Sikorsky brings unmatched experience and a proven track record to this mission having flown every U.S. commander-in-chief since President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The VH-92A will continue this legacy for decades to come.

This article by Dario Leone originally appeared on The Aviation Geek Club in 2017.

Image: DVIDShub.