Leonardo handed over the first TH-73A training helicopter to the US Navy today at the company's premises in Philadelphia. The ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Kenneth Whitesell, Commander Naval Air Forces and Commander Naval Air Force US Pacific Fleet, among others. The Navy plans to procure a total of 130 of these light helicopters by 2024. An initial contract for the delivery of 32 aircraft worth 177 million dollars was signed in January 2020. This also includes spare parts, necessary equipment and a range of support services. An option for a further 36 helicopters for USD 171 million was exercised in November 2020.
The TH-73A is based on the IFR variant of the commercial AW 119Kx. The new aircraft will be used for the initial training of pilots from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. In addition, trainee pilots from other NATO nations will also take their first steps on them.
The new type will gradually replace the old TH-57B/C Sea Rangers. They will be based at the Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, Florida. Leonardo is also building a service centre of more than 9,000 square metres there to provide rapid on-site support for the helicopters. The new helicopter represents a major step forward for the Navy. With its extensive digitalisation, the technology is state of the art. Many future generations of pilots can look forward to completing their basic training on the TH-73A. The helicopters are expected to be in the air until at least 2050.
Handover ceremony in Philadelphia
Text: mb; Photos: Leonardo
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