VH-92A presidential helicopter test bed takes first flight

Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin has announced the first flight of the VH-92A test bed for the Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program.

The flight took place in Stratford, Conn. on July 28 and marked the start of 250 hours of flight time for the test program. The remainder of the test flights will take place in Oswego, N.

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"With this successful first flight on the books, we look forward to completion of Sikorsky flight test program, operational testing and production of this aircraft to support the Office of the President of the United States," program manager for the Presidential Helicopter's Program Office Col. Robert Pridgen said.

The Engineering Model 1 test helicopter will be joined by a second aircraft as the testing progresses over the next year.

The VH-92A is a modified version of the Sikorsky S-92 medium-lift helicopter with upgraded communications and executive-style interior enhancements. It will replace the aging VH-3D Sea King and VH-60N WhiteHawk helicopters currently used by the presidential air fleet. The Marine Corps HMX-1 squadron will operate the aircraft.

The VH-92A is expected to enter service in 2020. Its predecessor program for the VH-71 Kestrel was canceled in 2009 due to cost overruns and mismanagement pushed the price tag of the program to over $13 billion.