Sikorsky contracted for presidential helicopter work

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky Aircraft has received a $137.9 million contract modification to sustain two presidential helicopter variants.

The modification includes sustainment support services for VH-3D and VH-60 presidential helicopters. Additional tasks will include security, project engineering, integrated logistics support, and training services.

The U.S. Department of Defense expects the work to be complete by November 2022, and will be performed in Stratford, Conn. No funding was obligated at the time of the modification award, and will instead be issued upon individual delivery. The Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, Ma., is listed as the contracting activity.

The U.S. Navy's Presidential Helicopter Program is responsible for managing aircraft used for transporting the president and vice president of the United States in addition to other heads of state and official parties.

The VH-3D and VH-60 variants are both designed to operate in all-weather conditions, and are equipped with self-contained navigation capabilities. Neither of the helicopters carry any weapons.