The Sikorsky VH-60N "White Hawk" is a Presidential ("Marine One") and government-level VIP transport operated by the United States Marine Corps (USMC). The helicopter is based on the ubiquitous Sikorsky UH-60 "Black Hawk" transport used throughout the world. More specifically, VH-60N is a UH-60A production model with elements of the SH-60B and SH-60F "Seahawk" navy helicopters added. The White Hawk first entered service in 1988 and continues in its role today (2014) while some nine total airframes have been delivered. The helicopter is only recognized as "Marine One" when the President is actually onboard and "Marine Two" designates the helicopter when the Vice President is the high-ranking member being transported. The Marine One fleet is looked after by some 800 USMC personnel and based out of MCAF Quantico, Virginia. Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) is the USMC squadron charged with the safe transportation of the United States President.
The VH-60N was initially known as VH-60D "Night Hawk". This early version was an HH-60D with 2 x General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines while its internals were appropriately configured for the VIP passenger transport role.
In service, the President's helicopter is typically flanked by other VH-60Ns to disguise the actual helicopter carrying the American Commander-in-Chief. Pilots of VH-60N are dressed in their Blue Dress uniforms (as opposed to flight suits). To protect the President's location within the airborne fleet, the helicopters attempt to fly irregular patterns. Furthermore, they are outfitted with military-grade countermeasures to combat for incoming missile threats from the ground or air-launched. The fleet is air-transported anywhere in the world where the President is visiting - allowing the familiar, well-versed transport process to be carried over from homeland to overseas and back.
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Specifications
United Technologies / Sikorsky Aircraft - USA Manufacturer(s)
None. Countermeasures are carried to protect against incoming missile threats.
VH-60N "WhiteHawk" - Base Series Designation
General Assessment
Firepower
Performance
Survivability
Versatility
Impact
Values are derrived from a variety of categories related to the design, overall function, and historical influence of this aircraft in aviation history.
Overall Rating
The overall rating takes into account over 60 individual factors related to this aircraft entry.
60
Rating is out of a possible 100 points.
Relative Maximum Speed
Hi: 200mph
Lo: 100mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (183mph).
Graph average of 150 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
NYC
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PAR
BER
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SYD
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NYC
Operational range when compared to distances between major cities (in KM).
Max Altitude Visualization
Design Balance
The three qualities reflected above are altitude, speed, and range.
Aviation Era Span
Showcasing era cross-over of this aircraft design.
Unit Production (9)
9
36183
44000
Compared against Ilyushin IL-2 (military) and Cessna 172 (civilian).
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Images
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Image from the United States Department of Defense imagery database DVIDS.
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