OWEGO, N.Y. — A presidential helicopter built by Stratford-based Sikorsky was delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps Monday, according to the aviation company.
The helicopter was the 23rd and final VH-92A helicopter delivered to the Marine Corps and will be used to fly the U.S. president, vice president and other officials, Sikorsky said.
“This delivery represents a significant milestone and new chapter in the rich, 67-year history of Marines providing helicopter transport of the president of the United States. The VH-92A Patriot brings increased capabilities for this no-fail mission supporting the Commander-in-Chief around the world,” said Lt. General Bradford Gering, deputy commandant for aviation. “Sikorsky’s contribution to Marine Aviation has enabled your United States Marine Corps to be a ready and lethal fighting force.”
The 23 presidential helicopters that were delivered include 21 that are operational and two that will be used as test aircrafts, according to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).
The VH-92A, called the "White Top," was built by Sikorsky after they were awarded a contract by the Presidential Helicopters Program Office, with the approval of the Navy in May 2014, NAVAIR said.
According to a release, the white and green helicopter is a derivative of the commercial Sikorsky S-92 aircraft, which is FAA certified and "best-in-class for safety and reliability."
The helicopter was built to increase "performance and payload" over the VH-3D and VH-60N, which were used as the primary means of presidential transport.
According to Sikorsky, their aircrafts have flown every president since 1957. More information on the history of the company's presidential helicopters can be found here.
Presidential helicopter built by Stratford-based Sikorsky delivered to US Marine Corps
MORE NEWS:
Lockheed Martin subsidiaries reach $70 million settlement for claims they overcharged Navy for parts
---
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com.
---
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
