By John Keller
WASHINGTON - The long-awaited competition to build the next generation of U.S. presidential helicopters came to a close Jan. 29 when U.S. Navy officials awarded a $1.7 billion contract to build the VXX helicopter to Lockheed Martin Systems Integration in Owego, N.Y.
The award not only is a setback for incumbent Sikorsky of Stratford, Conn., but also indicates the importance of sophisticated electronic and optoelectronic subsystems and components in modern aircraft. Sikorsky is primarily a helicopter airframe company, while Lockheed Martin Systems Integration is an electronics design house.
The award also represents a new era in international cooperation on crucial U.S. projects. The VXX helicopter from Lockheed Martin is based on the AgustaWestland EH101, an Anglo-Italian helicopter company owned Finmeccanica.
The most frequently used presidential helicopter today is a modified Sikorsky VH-60N, first manufactured in 1974.
Under this replacement program, a single platform will provide savings in total ownership costs, engineering, maintenance, and logistical support, says John Young, assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition.
On the Lockheed Martin “Team US101” to build the VXX is Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. in Fort Worth, Texas, General Electric, ITT, Northrop Grumman, and Kaman Aerospace.
Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor in charge of systems integration, AgustaWestland is in charge of aircraft design, Bell Helicopter is in charge of aircraft production, and GE will supply each helicopter’s three CT7-8E engines.
