Sikorsky To Build Presidential Helicopters

STRATFORD, CT — Stratford-based Sikorsky will build six presidential helicopters under a contract from the U.S. Navy, according to a news release from the company. The VH-92A aircrafts are set to be delivered starting in 2021.

“This production decision validates the modifications to Sikorsky’s most successful commercial helicopter making it capable to transport the President of the United States at anytime, anywhere around the world,” Dave Banquer, Sikorsky VH-92A program director, stated in the news release. “Sikorsky has been building and providing helicopter transportation for every U.S. President and Commander in Chief since Dwight D. Eisenhower. We are excited to build the next generation of transport with the VH-92A helicopter.”

The aircrafts will provide safe, reliable and capable transportation for the president, vice president and foreign heads of state, according to the news release. The helicopters include communication capability to perform the duties of commander in chief, head of state and chief executive.

The test aircraft have undergone rigorous government testing and assessments, which included operating on the south lawn of the White House, the news release stated. The VH-92A has flown over 520 flight test hours.