Providing POTUS With Mobile Command And Control Capability
Marking a major step in the aggressive transition from concept
to fielded capability, the next generation presidential helicopter
has shed its generic "VXX" placeholder and received its mission
design series designator of "VH-71A."
A popular name for the VH-71A is still under consideration.
Assignment of MDS designators and popular names is done by the
deputy chief of staff of the US Air Force (Plans and Policies), the
agency responsible for assigning designators for military aerospace
vehicles.
The VH-71A will provide the office of the president a mobile
command and control capability featuring seamless and secure
informational connectivity essential in the post 9-11 security
environment.
Presidential helicopters provide helicopter transportation to
the president and vice president of the United States, heads of
state and other official parties.
As an integrated "system of systems," the VH-71A will feature
latest generation technology in an open systems architecture to
provide not just a transportation platform, but a complete, compact
and mobile command and control capability. The VH-71A will provide:
increased performance; improved mission, communications and
navigation systems; improved maintainability; and expanded
potential for future growth.
The mixed fleet of VH-3D and VH-60N helicopters that currently
supports the presidential mission includes 30-year old aircraft
that were designed in the 1960's, fielded in the 1970's and, while
still safe and reliable, no longer has the growth capability to
incorporate the equipment necessary to provide suitable
presidential support in the post 9-11 environment.
"Under this replacement program, with its technology and
performance improvements, a single platform will provide better
savings in total ownership costs, engineering, maintenance and
logistical support over the lifetime of the program," said John
Young, assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development
and acquisition. "The president needs a more survivable helicopter
while the nation engages in the Global War on Terrorism, and we are
committed to providing it as soon as possible."
Originally, the program proposed an initial operating capability
in 2013 but was accelerated in 2003 to a currently planned IOC in
fiscal year 2009.
A $1.7 billion, cost plus award fee contract awarded to Lockheed
Martin Systems Integration of Owego, NY launched the VH-71A's
system development and demonstration phase Jan. 28.
Flight testing of the VH-71A began with engine integration
testing on a contractor vehicle in December, 2004. Additional
flight testing will begin shortly at Owego using Test Vehicle One,
which arrived there June 10. Flight testing will transition here in
2006.
The program plans to procure 23 VH-71 operational aircraft and
three test aircraft at an expected per unit cost of approximately
$82 million per aircraft (initial increments) and approximately
$110 million per aircraft in the final configuration.
As the prime contractor and systems integrator, Lockheed Martin
is basing the VH-71A on its US101 helicopter. The US101 is an
American-built variant of AgustaWestland's successful EH101
multimission helicopter that currently serves with five allied
armed forces and has logged more than 65,000 flight hours. The
VH-71A features components provided by more than 200 suppliers in
41 states.
Lockheed Martin's team includes AgustaWestland (aircraft
design), Bell Helicopter (aircraft production) and General Electric
(engines).