White House Concerned As CT-Built Helicopter Burns Lawn: Report

STRATFORD, CT — The White House has "demoted" its new VH-92 Patriot helicopter — built by Stratford-based Sikorsky — due to concerns about the presidential aircraft's continuing to burn the White House's South Lawn when it lands, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.

The helicopter, which was supposed to carry President Joe Biden, will now only land on paved runways and fly missions with White House officials or Secret Service members, according to the outlet. In the meantime, a VH-3D Sea King will be Biden's ride.

The VH-92 Patriot's problem was identified years ago as being its spitting rotors and engine exhaust that scorch grass, though a solution has yet to be found.

In the meantime, "All respective offices are working diligently to ensure a smooth, safe, and timely transition from the traditional fleet to the VH-92A," the White House told Bloomberg.

Read the full report in Bloomberg.

Sikorsky Aircraft, whose parent company is Lockheed Martin, is an American aircraft manufacturer established by aviation pioneer Igor Sikorsky in 1923.

The company was among the first to manufacture helicopters for civilian and military use, according to Business Jet Traveler.