Newest Presidential Helicopters built by Lockheed Martin Owego

OWEGO, NY (WIVT/WBGH) — Helicopters fit for the President of the United States will come from Owego.

Sikorsky’s Owego location, a Lockheed Martin Company, has built and delivered the next generation of “VH-92A Patriot” helicopters to the U.S Marine Corps, Lockheed Martin announced Monday.

“Marine One” and “Marine Two,” the names of the helicopters tasked with transporting both President and Vice President respectively, along with 21 more for the fleet are en-route to Washington as the Marine Corps accepted the 23rd and final helicopter Monday, August 19.

Lockheed Martin has produced presidential aircrafts for 67 years, the first time being in 1957 for former President Eisenhower.

“The most recognizable helicopter in the world — made in Tioga County, New York, by the
Southern Tier’s powerhouse workforce at Lockheed Martin — is officially on its way,” Senator Chuck Schumer said in the announcement.

“Every time the president of the United States takes off in one of these helicopters, everyone in the Southern Tier can smile knowing it was their community that made it happen,” Schumer added.

The VH-92A, a.k.a “White Tops,” are known for their white and green design with a bold “United States of America” on the side, along with an American Flag near the rotors.

The VH-92A program attempts to ensure long-term affordability by utilizing the FAA certified Sikorsky S-92 aircraft, which is best-in-class for safety and reliability. The S-92 aircraft was modified at Sikorsky facilities in Owego as well as Stratford, Connecticut for the VH-92A mission based on government requirements

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34.