The Naval Air Systems Command will begin production for the Sikorsky VH-92A helicopter aircraft, USNI News reported Monday.Â
The command received three helicopter units and is slated to make a milestone decision at the end of May in line with the aircraft’s production. The military service expects the aircraft to enter initial operational capability in 2020 and full-production in 2023.
Maj. Gen. Gregory Masiello, program executive officer for air anti-submarine warfare, assault and special mission programs, said the service branch intends to tap Sikorsky to manufacture VH-92 units within the program’s life cycle. The company previously landed a $1.2 billion deal to manufacture six helicopters for the Navy with options for the production of 17 additional aircraft in 2014.