Marine One makes maiden flight.

The VH-71 "Marine One" helicopter made its maiden, flight at AgustaWestland's facility in Yeovil, UK, on 3 July, marking a milestone in the development of the United States' Presidential aircraft. The designated Test Vehicle #2 (TV-2), built under contract to the US Navy, was assembled and prepared at an AgustaWestland facility. It is the first test aircraft built specifically for the VH-71 Presidential Helicopters Program.

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Before TV-2 is delivered to the test facility in Patuxent River, MD this fall for structural testing, the aircraft will complete initial shakedown flying and embark on flight trials to test the integrated avionics systems and aircraft systems.

The VH-71 industry team will build a fleet of "Marine One" helicopters in two increments. Four test aircraft and five pilot production VH-71 aircraft comprising the Increment 1 phase are to be delivered through 2009. Increment 1 will answer the urgent need for an air system with enhanced performance. Increment 2 will see a significant increase in aircraft performance, and will feature technical enhancements designed to give command and control capability while in flight.

Aircraft final assembly will be by Bell Helicopter in Texas with missionisation by Lockheed Martin Systems Integration in NY. Lockheed Martin Systems Integration is the prime contractor and systems integrator for the Navy's VH-71 Presidential Helicopter Replacement programme with overall responsibility for the programme and aircraft system.

AgustaWestlandBell, the US principal subcontractor to Lockheed Martin, has responsibility for the basic air vehicle design, production build, and basic air vehicle support functions, while General Electric is supplying the engines.