Latest update on the Presidential Helicopters

In spite of Obama’s reluctance to change his fleet of helicopters and cause extra costs, the ninth and final VH-71 to be built under ‘Increment 1’ of the US Presidential Helicopter Replacement Programme was delivered in April.

The VH-71 flew across the Atlantic to the United Statesin the US Air Force C-17 transport aircraft, for completion by prime contractor Lockheed Martin.

AgustaWestland CEO Giuseppe Orsi, said, “All the aircraft delivered are compliant to the specifications required by the U.S. Government and the progress achieved in such a short period of time is uncommon for an acquisition of this size and complexity. The whole VH-71 team can be proud of this remarkable achievement”. He went on to say “The VH-71 helicopters remains the only helicopter available today, or in the medium term, that can meet the demanding requirements. The VH-71 delivers much greater safety, speed, range and capability that the legacy aircraft which are now reaching the end of their service life.”...