Aircraft
Lockheed moves ahead on VH-71
The program to provide new VIP helicopters for the U.S.

The program to provide new VIP helicopters for the U.S. president has taken a step forward with first flight of an “operational pilot-production example” of the Lockheed Martin VH-71. The three-engine helicopter, which is based on the AgustaWestland AW101 (born as the European Helicopter Industries EH 101), had its maiden flight at the AgustaWestland factory in Yeovil, England, on September 23.

Dubbed PP-1, the helicopter was scheduled to be transported by the U.S. Air Force this month to U.S. Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland. Lockheed Martin Systems Integration in Owego, N.Y., is overall VH-71 prime contractor and systems
integrator, while principal subcontractor AgustaWestland is responsible for basic “air vehicle” design and support functions, as well as production manufacture.