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Sikorsky’s modified presidential VH-92A made its operational debut as "Marine One" on August 19, transporting President Biden from O’Hare International Airport to the parking lot adjacent to the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, the site of the Democratic National Convention. The development program that led to this helicopter's entry into service has experienced two decades of delays in replacing the previous Vietnam-era helicopters assigned to the presidential mission.
Plans to update the Sikorsky VH-3D and VH-60N rotorcraft previously assigned to Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) for presidential transport began after the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001 during the George W. Bush administration but were interrupted by President Barack Obama due to cost overruns and delays. A new program, dubbed “Patriot,” was launched during the Obama Administration and faced challenges including issues with secure communications systems and problems with the VH-92’s exhaust system scorching the grass of the White House South Lawn landing area.
A modified version of Sikorsky’s combination civil/military S-92, the VH-92A is built and modified at Sikorsky's Coatesville, Pennsylvania factory. It is powered by a pair of GE CT7-8A turboshaft engines. It received initial FAA certification in 2004.
