STRATFORD, Conn., May 8 (UPI) -- Sikorsky Aircraft has been selected by the U.S. Navy to produce a new fleet of Marine One helicopters for the Office of the President of the United States.
Six S-92 helicopters, with certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, and two trainer simulators are covered by the $1.2 billion engineering and manufacturing development contract awarded for the modification, test and delivery of initial aircraft, the company said.
It is a fixed-price incentive award with a period of performance late into 2020. Sikorsky is to provide a total of 21 operational aircraft by 2023.
"We are honored by this news and the vote of confidence in the Sikorsky team and the proven S-92 platform," said Sikorsky President Mick Maurer. "For 57 years, our company has been trusted with the critical responsibility of building and supporting a safe and reliable helicopter fleet for the President of the United States. We are proud of our record and the bright future for our company."
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"We stand ready to deliver the next Marine One, the world's most advanced executive transport helicopter."
Sikorsky said two of the six helicopters covered under the contract will be designated Engineering Development Models. The Navy will test their flight performance and mission communication system capabilities The remaining four will be System Demonstration Test Articles for operational test and evaluation before being transitioned to operational status.
The Navy is expected to place orders for the first of three lots of 17 production aircraft by early 2019.
The S-92 is a dual-engine medium lift helicopter with a cruise speed of 174 miles per hour, a range of 594 nautical miles and a service ceiling of 14,000 feet.
