The VH-92A Patriot is Sikorsky's FAA-certified S-92A derivative for the U.S. presidential lift mission, fitted with government mission systems, executive transport accommodations, and communications equipment for HMX-1 and White House Military Office tasking. The 23-aircraft program completed delivery in August 2024 and is replacing the VH-3D and VH-60N fleet through a phased transition rather than documented armed-conflict service.
The Navy's fact file frames the VH-92A as a large twin-engine presidential helicopter derived from the FAA-certified S-92 and adapted with government mission systems.
Two pilots, one communications-system operator, one crew chief, and up to 14 passengers.
69 ft long, 18 ft high, and 17.3 ft fuselage length with stabilizer.
Two General Electric CT7-8A6 turboshaft engines.
27,700 lb.
The Department of the Navy selected Sikorsky to develop the VH-92A to replace the aging VH-3D and VH-60N helicopters.
Sources: VH-92A > United States Navy > Display-FactFiles
Lockheed Martin reported that the first VH-92A configured test aircraft flew at Sikorsky's Stratford, Connecticut facility, starting a planned flight-test program.
Sources: VH-92A Presidential Helicopter Achieves First Flight
A VH-92A test aircraft landed at the White House during evaluation flights.
Sources: Sikorsky VH-92 lands at the White House during tests on 22 September 2018 (180922-M-ZY870-434).jpg
GAO reported a May 2018 estimate of about $4.95 billion for 23 aircraft, or about $215.3 million in acquisition unit cost.
Sources: Presidential Helicopter: Program Continues to Make Development Progress | GAO
The Navy approved production of six VH-92A aircraft with spares and support equipment.
Sources: Navy's Presidential Helicopter Program Approved for Production of Six Aircraft
The first operational VH-92A helicopter was delivered to HMX-1.
Sources: VH-92A Patriot | NAVAIR
The Marine Corps declared initial operational capability for the VH-92A.
Sources: VH-92A > United States Navy > Display-FactFiles
DOT&E reported that HMX-1 conducted follow-on operational test and evaluation from July 12 to September 16, 2022, using operational aircraft in National Capital Region facilities and routine HMX-1 landing zones.
Sources: VH-92A Patriot Presidential Helicopter, FY2022 DOT&E report
Associated Press reported President Joe Biden's first VH-92A Marine One flight in Chicago, a milestone in the replacement of older presidential helicopters.
Sources: Biden takes inaugural flight in long-delayed new Marine One helicopter
NAVAIR reported delivery of the final VH-92A, completing the 23-aircraft program of record.
Sources: Final VH-92A presidential helicopter delivered | NAVAIR
The Marine Corps' 2025 aviation plan said production was complete, the final VH-92A had been accepted, and HMX-1 would operate 16 VH-92As after full transition and legacy-aircraft divestment.
Sources: 2025 Marine Corps Aviation Plan
The VH-92A is a presidential transport platform rather than a combat aircraft. NAVAIR and Marine Corps sources describe an executive-lift transition from the VH-3D and VH-60N fleet, with HMX-1 and the White House Military Office phasing the Patriot into tasking after operational test work and final aircraft delivery.
23 aircraft: 21 operational helicopters and two test aircraft.
The White House Military Office uses an event-driven, phased approach to replace legacy presidential helicopters.
DOT&E describes the Mission Communication System as enabling simultaneous short- and long-range secure and non-secure voice and data communications.
The 2025 Marine Aviation Plan lists high/hot performance and beyond-line-of-sight bandwidth improvements as major VH-92A investments.
