VH-60 White Hawk
American presidential transport helicopter, recognized for service from the late 20th century to the present, laden with advanced security systems.
| Crew | 1 pilot + 1 copilot + 1 skipper + 1 comm operator |
| Length | 19.6 m (64.3 ft) |
| Wingspan | 16.4 m (53.7 ft) |
| Height | 5.1 m (16.7 ft) |
| Empty weight | 6,850 kg (15,102 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 10,660 kg (23,501 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 2 × General Electric T700-GE-401 1,260 kW each |
| Maximum speed | 257 km/h (160 mph) |
| Operational range | 2,200 km (1,367 mi) |
| Service ceiling | 5,790 m (18,996 ft) |
| Climb rate | 3.6 m/s (11.8 ft/s) |
Description
The VH-60 White Hawk is a special version of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, designed for the transport of the President, Vice President, and other high-ranking American officials. Based in Quantico, Virginia, the Marine Corps' Executive Helicopter Squadron is responsible for the VH-60 fleet.
Operational History
When the President is on board, the helicopter is referred to as "Marine One" on radio communications, while the one carrying the Vice President is called "Marine Two". The designations "Marine One Foxtrot" and "Marine Two Foxtrot" are used when the President's or Vice President's family is on board, respectively.
The VH-60 White Hawk, delivered starting from 1988, can accommodate up to 10 passengers, with a crew consisting of a pilot, co-pilot, flight attendant, and communication systems specialist. As a government VIP transport helicopter, it features luxurious accommodations and meticulous maintenance.
Compared to its predecessor, the VH-3D Sea King, the VH-60 has the advantage of being foldable in less than two hours for transportation on US Air Force cargo aircraft such as the C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, or C-130 Hercules. Thus, it often accompanies the US President during domestic or international trips to provide helicopter support.