The next president of the United States will travel with a new generation helicopter. Many, probably, have heard of Air Force One, the plane that transports the president of the United States around the world (actually, they are always two), but few know that the most powerful man on the planet has available an entire air (and land) fleet suitably modified to meet its needs. The 'Marine One' is no exception, the helicopter carrying the commander-in-chief of US forces around the United States.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation is working closely with the US Navy to build the next helicopter. Fully run by the Marine Corps HMX-1, the current presidential fleet includes VH-3D and VH-60N helicopters. Work on the new helicopter fleet (21 operating and two prototypes) began in the 2014 with a contract from 1,2 billion dollars signed by the US Navy with Sikorsky after the abandonment of the VXX program.
The starting point for the new presidential platform will be the Sikorsky S-92A. When in flight, the presidential rotor task force is composed of three identical helicopters (in addition to the escort): two of them are baits. No one knows which helicopter the president is in. In addition to the specifications covered by military secrecy, compared to the current platforms the new helicopters will have greater load capacity and autonomy in flight without refueling.
The internal suite also includes the possibility of carrying out encrypted videoconferences (shortcomings emerged during 11 September) and other communications necessary to allow the president to work safely during flights. The new directives of the Navy foresee an even more armored helicopter, electronically and structurally, compared to the current one and therefore protected both by EMP attacks and by missiles.
The goal is to deploy the first six helicopters within the 2020 with delivery of the entire fleet for the 2023.
