Sikorsky seeks to retain Marine One contract

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., which has flown “every commander-in-chief since Eisenhower,” looks to retain the contract for the presidential helicopter when the current fleet of Marine One aircraft are replaced.

The Stratford-based helicopter manufacturer announced May 3 that it would submit a joint bid along with Lockheed Martin in response to the U.S. Navy’s release of a final request for proposals (RFP) for the Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program.

A VH-3D Sea King helicopter that makes up part of the presidential helicopter fleet. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marine Corps

Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin, which is among the world’s largest defense contractors, will collaborate on a bid that would have a fleet of Sikorsky S-92 helicopters replacing the VH-3D Sea Kings and VH-60N WhiteHawks currently used to transport the president, vice president and other dignitaries and cabinet members.

Both the VH-3D and VH-60N models are built by Sikorsky, which is a subsidiary of Hartford-based United Technologies Corp.

“Sikorsky brings unmatched experience having flown every commander-in-chief since President Eisenhower,” a company statement read. “When combined with Lockheed Martin’s system’s integration expertise, our team provides unparalleled knowledge of presidential helicopter transport.”