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Sikorsky VH-92 (Marine One)

2021 MODERN AIRCRAFT FUTURE FLIGHT

History of Sikorsky VH-92 (Ocean One)

The Sikorsky VH-92 is being developed to be the next presidential helicopter in service with the US Marine Corps (as "Marine One"). This model is a heavily modified military version of the proven Sikorsky S-92 platform and is designed to replace the Sikorsky VH-3 series currently in service.

The VH-3 originated from the Cold War-era SH-3 Sea King naval helicopter (detailed elsewhere on this page). The VH-92 would enter significant presidential transportation history, beginning with President Dwight D. Eisenhower aboard a Bell UH-13J "Su" (later more formally deployed with a Sikorsky UH-34 "Seahorse").

The base model in Sikorsky's product line, the S-92, is described in detail as a purpose-built, mid-lift, twin-crew rotorcraft that can be equipped for a variety of missions, from carrying passengers to hauling cargo. Launched in 2004, the model has been adopted by various commercial industries around the world, with at least 300 examples built to date (2019).

Variations of this successful design include the new Canadian military's CH-148 Tornado maritime helicopter (described elsewhere on this website).

With this framework, the VH-92 continues the proven features of the original. Power comes from two 2,520 hp GE CT7-8A turboshaft engines, each driving a four-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail rotor (the latter facing to starboard). When the tail is raised, the main rotor blades are close to the fuselage roofline. The tricycle landing gear (retractable) makes ground running possible.

There are outboard portholes on the sides of the fuselage, each of which is fitted with a main landing gear leg. With its installed power, the VH-92 is capable of cruising at speeds of 190 mph and close to 175 mph. Range is 549 nautical miles, while service is capped at 14,000 feet.

Internally, the passenger compartment (dimensions of 20ft x 6.6ft) can carry up to 19 passengers, while two crew members (both pilots) sit side by side in the nose of the aircraft. Transparent panels provide the crew with an excellent view outside the cockpit. The VIP room provides comfortable seating for passengers, mainly the President and staff.

In addition, a variety of military-focused systems will make up the survivability of this vital helicopter - including redundant flight controls and power systems.

The VH-92 has a listed curb weight of 15,500 lbs, while the MTOW is 27,700 lbs. Dimensions include a barrel length of 56.1 feet, a width of 56.3 feet (including the main rotor) and a height of 15.4 feet.

The origins of the modern VH-92 form can be traced back to the United States Navy's (USN) 1999 VXX ("Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program") which created the aging VH-3D and VH-60 successor "White Eagle" The "seek" route. The two main competitors became Lockheed with its VH-71 Kestrel (detailed elsewhere on this page) and the Sikorsky VH-92.

Before Lockheed announced its entry, they were both Entered their respective prototype stage winners, expected to be delivered in 2011.

After Sikorsky protests and rising project costs around Kestrel, the program was restarted in 2010, bringing the VH-92 back into competition. When the Kestrel finally said goodbye, delivery fell to Sikorsky, whose VH-92 was officially selected for development and mass production on May 7, 2014.

1. It was followed by $24 billion in orders from USN.

Up to 23 helicopters will be built to the VH-92 standard at a cost to U.S. taxpayers of nearly $5 billion. 21 make up the official VH-92A production series, while a pair of CH-92A models are used for training purposes only.