VH-92A makes historic debut as Marine One in first presidential flight

For the first time, the U.S. Marine Corps has utilized a VH-92A Patriot helicopter to transport the U.S. President, marking a significant milestone in its capabilities. This development follows the recent approval of the VH-92A for regular use in the Marine One presidential airlift role. The approval confirms that previous concerns regarding the helicopter’s secure communications suite have been resolved.

The historic flight took place on the same day that the Marines received their 23rd and final VH-92A helicopter, delivered by Lockheed Martin.

First scheduled Marine One mission

The inaugural Marine One flight with the VH-92A occurred this afternoon, with President Joe Biden departing from O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. The helicopter transported the President to Soldier Field, where he is scheduled to speak at the Democratic National Convention.

The VH-92A fleet, which includes 21 operational aircraft and two test models, has reached its full inventory. According to the U.S. Navy, this number allows for comprehensive support of the executive lift mission, including maintenance, upgrades, and pilot training.

The U.S. Marine Corps finally conducted the first official "Marine One" flight with the new VH-92A Patriot presidential helicopter.

— It's meant to replace the older VH-3D and VH-60N helicopters used for presidential transport.

— The aircraft is a modified version of the… pic.twitter.com/dvXMavB2hD

— Clash Report (@clashreport) August 20, 2024

Brig. Gen. David Walsh, program executive officer for air anti-submarine warfare, assault, and special mission programs, praised the team’s successful completion of the VH-92A program. “This helicopter represents the dedication of those involved in its development and will be known globally for its safety, security, and reliability,” Walsh stated.

Transition from older models

Until now, Marine One missions were conducted using the older 'white top' helicopters: ten VH-3D and six VH-60N models. The VH-92A is set to replace these aging aircraft, with HMX-1 currently operating nine VH-92s.

NEW MARINE ONE: President Biden, in transit to the Democrat National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, boards the new Sikorsky VH-92 Patriot at O'Hare International Airport. pic.twitter.com/BLTdi10mFk

— Breaking 4 News (@Breaking_4_News) August 19, 2024

Development and approval challenges

The journey to getting the VH-92A approved for Marine One has been lengthy. Initially, Sikorsky’s VH-92 lost out to the Lockheed Martin VH-71 Kestrel in the VXX competition. However, due to escalating development costs, the competition was reopened in 2010. By mid-2013, Sikorsky emerged victorious, and a $1.2 billion development contract was awarded in May 2014.

The Marine Corps declared initial operational capability for the VH-92A in April 2022, though issues with its Mission Communication System (MCS) delayed its use in the presidential airlift role. Recent reports confirm that the helicopter’s secure communication systems are now functioning as required.

Future operations

With the VH-92A officially approved for presidential airlift duties, it will become a regular feature of presidential travel. Typically, Presidential trips are supported by at least two helicopters, with transport to destinations facilitated by U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III airlifters. While often kept in reserve, the helicopters are ready to deploy as needed.

Prior to the official Marine One designation, VH-92As were utilized for various contingency operations. For example, in early 2023, a VH-92 was stationed in Las Vegas in standby mode for President Biden’s visit.