Sikorsky VH-3D Sea King
The VH-3s are continually upgraded withclassified systems and specialized communications gear. At presstime, the VH-3D landing gear was in the process of being pinned, inorder to reduce maintenance and extend aircraft service life. The H-3has already had a major service life extension program once, and willmost likely be receiving a second pass in the near future. CarsonHelicopters rotor blades are being evaluated and are in developmentaltesting with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 21 on the sole VH-3Apresidential helicopter test bed. Due to the importance of thepresidential mission, all changes are thoroughly tested andmodifications never happen quickly. Eventually, the VH-3D may receivea glass cockpit nearly identical to that being installed in theVH-60N. Ted Carlson Photo.
Sikorsky VH-60N White Hawk
Unlike the VH-3D, the VH-60N has aunique enlisted crewmember position known as the communicationsspecialty officer. This is due to the avionics communications systemlayout inside the White Hawk.
The VH-60N was designed from acombination of several different species of Hawks, but it is innatelyclosest to the UH-60A and has the same General Electric T700-GE-701Cengines. An upgrade now in the works will change the tail rotor biasby three degrees, a modification already made to most of the U.S.military’s Hawk fleet. The VH-60Ns are also currently going througha cockpit upgrade program modification, essentially adding a glasscockpit, upgrading the avionics and enhancing navigationalcapability.
Unlike the VH-3D, the VH-60N, with itsfolding blades and tail hinges, is easy to load and unload into atransport aircraft such as a C-17. Hence, although it’s not asroomy as the VH-3D, its transportability makes it a better candidatefor presidential overseas missions. Matt Udkow Photo.
Boeing Vertol CH-46E Sea Knight(Phrog)
HMX-1 Phrogs have received additionalsoundproofing, and carpet is installed when supporting presidentiallift missions. Although the H-46s are the oldest aircraft in HMX-1’sranks, they have been rugged USMC workhorses and remain a verycapable helicopter for the unit. Ted Carlson Photo.
Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion
The six HMX-1 Super Stallions are closein configuration to fleet aircraft, but lack the helicopter nightvision system (HNVS) – a forward-looking-infrared-type system usedfor navigation – and the in-flight refueling probe. Since theCH-53Es do not fly much at night, the HNVS is not required. And basedon typical distances traveled and their mission, HMX-1 birdsgenerally do not need to perform aerial refueling. The HMX-1 SuperStallions also receive internal floor carpet when supportingpresidential lifts. Ted Carlson Photo.