Sikorsky's new Marine 1 takes flight

STRATFORD -- Sikorsky Aircraft kicked off a nationwide tourMonday to rev up support for a new helicopter that could one daycarry the president of the United States. As the U.S. Navy looks toreplace more than 20 helicopters in the presidential Marine Onefleet, Sikorsky's new VH-92 helicopter is in a heated competitionwith European conglomerate AugustaWestland to win the multimillion-dollar contract.

"This competition is about who can build the safest, fastest,most advanced helicopter," said Sikorsky President Steve Fingerduring a press conference at Sikorsky headquarters. "This is theonly helicopter that is certified to the latest, most stringentFederal Aviation Administration and European safety standards."

Congressional leaders were also on hand to show their support forthe helicopter, voicing strong opposition to foreign-madepresidential aircraft.

"If it's decided on merit and not politics, then it's going to bethe helicopter in this room," said U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, R-4.

The Italian company Finmeccanica owns AugustaWestland, makers ofthe competing US-101. In May, a British company sold its interest inAugustaWestland.

Lawmakers and Sikorsky officials express concern that Britain andItaly's support of President Bush and the war in Iraq could possiblysway the contract in favor of AugustaWestland.

AugustaWestland's US-101 was designed in partnership with U.S.defense contractor Lockheed Martin and Texas-based Bell Helicopter.The companies say two-thirds of the manufacturing and all of themaintenance will take place in the United States.

Sikorsky has built and maintained all Marine One helicopterssince the Eisenhower administration in 1957.

"It is unconscionable to me that such a source of American pridewill be made overseas if AugustaWestland wins the contract," saidU.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3. "There is so much at stake here."

In addition to building the presidential helicopter fleet, thecompany that wins the contract would receive millions of dollars forresearch and development to advance the aircraft and possiblybillions in other government contracts.

The Navy is expected to award the contract in December. Sikorskyofficials would not speculate on whether plant jobs would beaffected should the company lose the bid.

It took 150 people to build the presidential model VH-92,complete with state-of-the art engine technology and communications,including wireless Internet access and video conferencingcapabilities.

The 150-square-foot cabin seats 12 and is equipped with leatherchairs, wood paneling, carpets and a bathroom.

There's less noise and turbulence in the VH-92 than the currentpresidential helicopter. Improvements were made to the cabin, asadditional soundproofing and vibration control make it quieter andthe flight smoother.

Over the next three months, Sikorsky plans to take thedemonstration chopper to its partners' facilities, employee rallies,flight demonstrations and press events throughout the country.

Kimberly S. Johnson can be reached at kjohnson@nhregister.com or789-5748.