Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin VH-71 Kestrel
The Lockheed Martin VH‑71 Kestrel was a proposed replacement for the United States Marine Corps' presidential transport fleet, the VC‑25A, under the VXX program announced in 2002. Derived from the AgustaWestland AW101 helicopter, the Kestrel incorporated extensive redesigns by Lockheed Martin, including a reinforced airframe, upgraded avionics, and a suite of communications and defensive systems tailored for executive travel. Its twin‑engine configuration delivered 2,500 shaft‑horsepower each, allowing a maximum cruise speed of 155 knots and a range exceeding 1,000 nautical miles with auxiliary fuel tanks. The cabin could accommodate up to 44 passengers, a crew of four, and featured secure videoconferencing, anti‑jamming radios, and defensive counter‑measures such as infrared jamming and missile‑approach warning sensors.
Although a full production contract was never awarded—cancellation came in 2009 after cost overruns escalated the program from an estimated $4.2 billion to over $9 billion—the VH‑71 program left a lasting imprint on the industry. The engineering lessons learned accelerated the development of subsequent rotorcraft, influenced certification standards for VIP transport, and demonstrated the challenges of integrating advanced technology into a legacy platform. Its legacy persists in modern maritime and special‑operations helicopters that build on its avionics and survivability concepts.
Although a full production contract was never awarded—cancellation came in 2009 after cost overruns escalated the program from an estimated $4.2 billion to over $9 billion—the VH‑71 program left a lasting imprint on the industry. The engineering lessons learned accelerated the development of subsequent rotorcraft, influenced certification standards for VIP transport, and demonstrated the challenges of integrating advanced technology into a legacy platform. Its legacy persists in modern maritime and special‑operations helicopters that build on its avionics and survivability concepts.
Classification
Dimensions
- Length
- 19.53 metre
Performance
- Range
- 1389 kilometre
Production & History
- First Flight
- 2007
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Lockheed Martin
- Wikidata ID
- Q1867551