Lockheed Martin VH-71 Kestrel

A VH-71 Kestrel in flight.

The Lockheed Martin VH-71 Kestrel is a variant of the AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin (formerly EH101), that was being developed to replace the United States Marine Corps' Marine One U.S. Presidential transport fleet. It was being produced by the Lockheed Martin–led "US101 Team" of Lockheed Martin Systems Integration – Owego (LMSI), AgustaWestland and Bell Helicopter. The first flight of the VH-71 was in 2007 with the fleet of helicopters themselves entering service in early 2012.

Variants

• VH-71A: The initial production VH-71 aircraft or Increment one of the presidential helicopter replacement program, designed to meet an urgent need for new helicopters.
• VH-71B: Increment two was to provide 23 operational helicopters with increased range, and upgraded navigation and communications systems that fulfill White House requirements to maintain continuity of government and allow the president to carry out the duties of the office.

Users

• United States
  • United States Marine Corps
    • HMX-1 "Marine One"

See Also

Related Development

• AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin
• AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant

Comparable Aircraft

• NHIndustries NH90
• Sikorsky S-92