Aug 21, 2024 - News
D.C. might see a new Marine One helicopter soon
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D.C. might have something new in its skies: A modernized helicopter model will serve as Marine One.
Why it matters: President Biden took his first flight in the new model on Monday while in Chicago, a crucial milestone in a long process to replace the Vietnam-era helicopters that have carried presidents, in some cases, since the 1970s.
- Issues with the secure communications system on board the new VH-92A helicopters and a tendency to scorch the White House South Lawn led to years of delays.
Fun fact: Marine One isn't a specific kind of helicopter; it's the call sign for whichever U.S. Marine Corps aircraft the president is in.
- And they often fly in twos or threes so it isn't obvious which the president is in.