Lockheed Martin [LMT] successfully executed the critical design review (CDR) for the VH-92A Presidential Helicopter Replacement (PHR) program, according to a company statement.
The joint Sikorsky/Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) VH-92A helicopter program team met in July with key collaborators for an in-depth review. Lockheed Martin said throughout the review the program team successfully demonstrated that the design meets the system requirements. Review participants included NAVAIR and industrial partners who took part in the technical presentations.
Two engineering development model (EDM) aircraft are undergoing the modification process at Sikorsky’s Stratford, Conn., location. First flight of a VH-92A configured aircraft is planned for 2017. The VH-92 will be a modified S-92.
Sikorsky spokeswoman Erin Cox declined on Monday to say if the company had actually passed its CDR, saying the CDR process remains open. Navy spokeswoman Kelly Burdick did not respond to a request for comment by press time Monday.
Lexington Institute think tank COO Loren Thompson said Monday the PHR program, if and perhaps when it passes a design review, will have achieved an important step because of the way the previous effort was aborted. Thompson said PHR has many unique requirements, so passing a design review means different tradeoffs were made. The previous effort to replace the presidential helicopters was canceled in 2009 after it fell under heavy criticism for anticipated cost overruns and delays.
“Any way you look at it, it is a good sign,” Thompson said.