First Test Aircraft Built Specifically For Program
Aero-News has learned the VH-71 helicopter made its maiden
flight at AgustaWestland's facility in Yeovil, UK on July 3,
marking a significant milestone in the development of the United
States' next Presidential aircraft.
The designated Test Vehicle #2 (TV-2), built under contract to
the US Navy, was assembled and prepared at an AgustaWestland
facility. It is the first test aircraft built specifically for the
VH-71 Presidential Helicopters Program.
During the 40-minute flight, AgustaWestland Chief Test Pilot Don
Maclaine and Senior Test Pilot Dick Trueman performed general
aircraft handling checks, tested flight characteristics at varying
speeds up to 135 knots, and evaluated the on-board avionics
systems. Initial Operational Capability of the Presidential
helicopter is scheduled for late 2009.
"Seeing our first VH-71 test vehicle flying is an important
stepping stone and an exciting event for the entire program, the
culmination of a tremendous amount of work by the Government and
Industry team," said Doug Isleib, U.S. Navy program manager,
Presidential Helicopters Program. "We all should be proud of this
accomplishment as we look forward to the day when these helicopters
are landing on the South Lawn of the White House."
"The success of the VH-71's first flight, less than 30 months
from the contract's start, confirms the quality and dedication we
have to designing, building and flying this state-of-the-art
helicopter," said Steven C. Moss, president of AgustaWestland North
America. "We are on track to fly three more test vehicles by early
2008 and this inaugural flight signifies a tremendous achievement
and a step forward to delivering the Presidential aircraft on
time."
"Today's first flight of TV-2 is a tremendous achievement," said
Jeff Bantle, VH-71 vice president and general manager at Lockheed
Martin Systems Integration in Owego, NY. "This marks the formal
start of the VH-71 flight test program, and positions the team to
deliver production aircraft capable of flying the President in
October 2009."
Before TV-2 is delivered to the test facility in Patuxent River,
MD this fall for structural testing, the aircraft will complete
initial shake-down flying and embark on flight trials to test the
integrated avionics systems and aircraft systems.
The new "Marine One" will be a mobile "Oval Office in the sky,"
ferrying the president and vice president of the United States,
heads of state and other official parties both at home and
abroad.
The VH-71 industry team will build a fleet of "Marine One"
helicopters in two increments. Four test aircraft and five pilot
production VH-71 aircraft comprising the Increment 1 phase are to
be delivered through 2009. Increment 1 will answer the urgent need
for an air system with enhanced performance. Increment 2 will see a
significant increase in aircraft performance, and will feature
technical enhancements designed to give command and control
capability while in flight.
Aircraft final assembly will be by Bell Helicopter in Texas,
with mission-specific outfitting by Lockheed Martin Systems
Integration in NY.