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Sikorsky VH-60 White Hawk

1988 MODERN AIRCRAFT

History of the Sikorsky VH-60 White Eagle

The Sikorsky VH-60N White Eagle is a presidential ("Marine One") and government VIP transport aircraft operated by the United States Marine Corps (USMC). The helicopter is based on the ubiquitous Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk that operates around the world. More specifically, the VH-60N is a UH-60A production variant with elements of the Navy's SH-60B and SH-60F Seahawk helicopters added.

The White Eagle first entered service in 1988 and is still performing its duties (2014) with nine airframe deliveries. The helicopter is identified as "Marine One" only when the president is actually on board, and "Marine Two" designates the helicopter when the vice president is the senior member being transported.

Marine One's fleet is served by approximately 800 U.S. Marines and is headquartered at MCAF Quantico, Virginia. Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) is the squadron of the United States Marine Corps responsible for the safe transportation of the President of the United States.

The VH-60N was originally known as the VH-60D "Nighthawk". This early version was the HH-60D with 2 GE T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines with properly configured internals for a VIP passenger role.

While on duty, the President's helicopter is usually flanked by other VH-60Ns in disguise as the actual helicopter carrying the Commander-in-Chief of the United States. VH-60N pilots wear blue uniforms (different from flight suits). To protect the president's position in the fleet, the helicopter attempted to fly in an unstable manner.

Additionally, they are equipped with military-grade countermeasures to repel missile threats from the ground or the air. Wherever the President visits in the world, the fleet will be transported by air, allowing the familiar, tried-and-true process of transport from home to abroad and back.

Several recent helicopter programs have been unable to find a suitable replacement helicopter for the President, which has brought the VH-60N into service by several years.