Production VH-71 Makes First Flight

Production VH-71 Makes First Flight (NSI News Source Info) September 23, 2008: The first of a new series of helicopters that ultimately will carry the president of the United States made its first flight Sept. 22 at an airfield in England. PP-1, the first operational pilot production aircraft of the Lockheed Martin/AgustaWestland VH-71 program, took to the air at AgustaWestland's facility in Yeovil, England, the companies said in a press release. The aircraft "performed exceptionally during its 40-minute flight," Stephen Moss, CEO of AgustaWestland North America, said in the release. The helicopter is the first of five VH-71 Increment One production aircraft that will complete the initial phase, or increment one, of the program intended to replace the current fleet of VH-3 helicopters that carry the president and other executives. A further 23 Increment Two VH-71s with increased range and upgraded navigation and communications systems will complete the new presidential helo fleet. The VH-71 program is managed by the U.S. Navy, although when operational the helicopters will be maintained and flown by the Marine Corps. Four VH-71 test vehicles have been assembled at Yeovil and delivered for testing to the Navy. PP-1 ultimately will join the presidential helicopter fleet when it completes its testing program. PP-1 will be shipped in early October aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport to the Navy's test facilities at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., and will undergo further outfitting at Lockheed's facility in Owego, N. Y.