The first test aircraft built specifically for the VH-71 Presidential Helicopter program made its maiden flight on July 3 at AgustaWestland's facility in Yeovil, UK. During the 40-minute flight, test pilots performed general aircraft handling checks, tested flight characteristics at varying speeds up to 135 knots, and evaluated the on-board avionics systems.

Designated Test Vehicle #2 (TV-2), the aircraft will complete initial shake-down flying and embark on flight trials to test the integrated avionics systems and aircraft systems before being delivered this fall to the Navy's flight test facility at Patuxent River, MD for structural testing.

The new "Marine One" will be the world's most technologically advanced helicopter that will safely and reliably transport the President and Vice President of the United States, heads of state, and other official parties both at home and abroad with mobile "Oval Office in the sky" capabilities. Initial Operational Capability of the Presidential helicopter is scheduled for late 2009.

"Seeing our first VH-71 test vehicle flying is an important stepping stone and an exciting event for the entire program, the culmination of a tremendous amount of work by the Government and industry team. We all should be proud of this accomplishment as we look forward to the day when these helicopters are landing on the South Lawn of the White House."

Doug Isleib