https://news.usni.org/2018/11/...XsMG3-7vLRbFM2ycoutA

The VH-92A is based on an existing model, the S-92:

https://www.lockheedmartin.com...s-92-helicopter.html

And yes, Lockheed-Martin now owns Sikorsky.

Not that I expect a detailed answer, but what modifications would a presidential chopper have over a standard model? How hardened can it be made to still fly, and do they have any countermeasures built in, or is this one of those "the airspace is secured, you pays yer money and you takes yer chances" things?

quote:

Originally posted by slabsides45:
Not that I expect a detailed answer, but what modifications would a presidential chopper have over a standard model?...

The engineering requirements for Marine One make it one complicated helicopter. It has to have a full suite of defensive countermeasures to throw off the targeting and guidance systems of missiles. It has to be "hardened" against the electromagnetic pulse of a nuclear explosion. It needs sophisticated onboard communications, including the ability to hold secure video conferences with military and government leaders worldwide—including the commanders of America's nuclear arsenal. Finally, it needs a toilet.

Complete article:

https://www.popularmechanics.c...ose-to-first-flight/

Which is from mid-2016. Nice-looking chopper, though.

I recently saw on the news a small air plane go down in a commercial parking lot. The plane had a parachute, that apparently lowered the plane to the ground rather gently, when the engine died, savings the pilot and passengers. I wonder if the presidential helicopter has something like that.

quote:

Originally posted by slabsides45:
Not that I expect a detailed answer, but what modifications would a presidential chopper have over a standard model? How hardened can it be made to still fly, and do they have any countermeasures built in, or is this one of those "the airspace is secured, you pays yer money and you takes yer chances" things?

..."I would love to tell you, but then, of course, I'd have to kill you. "

quote:

Originally posted by slabsides45:
Not that I expect a detailed answer, but what modifications would a presidential chopper have over a standard model? How hardened can it be made to still fly, and do they have any countermeasures built in, or is this one of those "the airspace is secured, you pays yer money and you takes yer chances" things?

This is from a couple of years ago but, I doubt there's too much difference other than updated navigation, comms and countermeasures.
Rare Glimpses Inside Marine One

Follow the link where there's a lot more info

quote:

Originally posted by bubbatime:
I recently saw on the news a small air plane go down in a commercial parking lot. The plane had a parachute, that apparently lowered the plane to the ground rather gently, when the engine died, savings the pilot and passengers. I wonder if the presidential helicopter has something like that.

Ballistic Recovery System. It's something for light aircraft though; the Cirrus SR20/22 is well-known for coming with it. I doubt you could use it for a twelve-ton helicopter, even disregarding the minor problem of the rotor blades.

Marine one's best defense is the other two that are flying at the same time... you can't figure out which is carrying the big guy.

The interesting part is why fly off in a chopper in the first place? There are much safer ways to leave the White House.

quote:

Originally posted by Blume9mm:
Marine one's best defense is the other two that are flying at the same time... you can't figure out which is carrying the big guy.

When I lived in Gaithersburg MD (for 30 years) this used to be regular sight, regular trips to and from Camp David. The three would fly basically along I-270 (at least in the Gaithersburg area), varying the actual route by up to two miles east or west of I-270. The sound of their approach was distinctive, and I always use to go outside and look, and admire. The frequency of these flights to Camp David varied with each President, some more often (almost every weekend), some not so much. I mostly caught the return trips, because they were usually on Sundays.

quote:

Originally posted by Blume9mm:
Marine one's best defense is the other two that are flying at the same time... you can't figure out which is carrying the big guy.

The interesting part is why fly off in a chopper in the first place? There are much safer ways to leave the White House.

Depends on where the President is going. Of course he travels by motorcade if local. For trips out of town on Air Force One, safer & more expedient for the president to be flown on Marine One to Andrews AFB. Distance from the White House to Andrews is roughly 11 to 15 miles. Can be flown by Marine One in a matter of minutes. Even with police escort and blocked traffic, better to not have to travel through DC & Prince Georges county by motorcade to Andrews for security reasons & time.

And remember, if it's like Air Force 1, there is more than one of them .

There is only one Air Force 1. Sometimes...

so he watched Mr.Deeds and said
"I want that "
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uri0v4kTqhU

Just like the President's motorcade vehicles, I imagine there are many modifications to increase the survivability of the aircraft against many threats. And I doubt any of us will know what they are unless we sign up and work our way up to a pilot / crew member of VMX-1.