Marine One retired?

[Chunk]

I just saw a quick blip on Fox News about Marine One being retired and placed in the Reagan library...anyone know the deal? Are they moving to VH-60s?

 

[Kaman]

Hello,
The Marines are indeed looking for a replacement for the venerable Sikorsky VH-3D Sea King. These helicopters are versions of the original HSS-2 ( going way back to the days prior to the "tri-service designator system). The H-3 was originally devloped as an ASW platform to operate off the old CVS carriers and later from CVA/CVAN/CV carriers performing "Inner zone" protection of carrier battle groups.
President Kennedy was the first of our nation's presidents to use the H-3 for transportation. The VH-60 is also operated by HMX-1 out of MCAS Quantico, but due the spacious cabin of the H-3, it has long been the Presidential favorite.
The replacement is the cause for some discussion, because a Westland design is being considered (Westland is a UK aerospace company and license produced 100s of Sea Kings for the Royal Navy amongst many others). The other contender is Sikorsky with the NH-90. The Westland design is based upon the Royal Navy's "Merlin" helicopter.
Ironically, the H-3 is no longer in front-line service in the fleet and the last squadron flying them besides HMX-1 is HC-2 of "Desert Duck" fame, and the Marines never operated the H-3 in operational units.
It will be interesting what develops with this procurement program. Personally, I think that the US Navy should have bought the "Merlin" as the CV helo of the future, but in the interest of commonality and cost the SH-60F was crammed down our throats. Don't get me wrong, it is a very capable helicopter, but it has definite shortcomings in it's use as multi-role helicopter. Hence the need to procure the HH-60H and MH-60S. Three different models of the same design, but the Merlin could have easily filled all three roles and had more room for growth.
Sorry for the long-winded response, but thought some might find it interesting, especially all you old rotorheads

Regards,

ex-Navy Rotorhead

 

[46Driver]

There's a long thread on this at www.pprune.org in the rotor section. The replacement for the H-3 is going to be either the new Sikorsky S-92 or the Lockheed Martin/Augusta Westwind US-101. If the Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey gets cancelled, the winner of this competition is the likely replacement for the CH-46. Thus, there is more on the line than just prestige, there is a possible order for more than 300 aircraft.

 

[FN FAL]

They are testing a chopper or choppers for that replacement up in KSAW.

 

[NoName]

i hear they are going to use the R22, any truth?

 

[Tim47SIP]

Yep!

That one is for the dog!