During a ceremony held at its Philadelphia facility, set against the Stars and Stripes, Leonardo formally handed over the inaugural TH-73A training helicopter to the U.S. Navy earlier today. This event was graced by Vice Admiral Kenneth Whitesell, commander of Naval Air Forces and Commander, Naval Air Force U.S. Pacific Fleet; Rear Admiral Gregory Harris, Director of Air Warfare Division (N98); and Captain Holly Shoger, Program Manager of Naval Undergraduate Flight Training Systems Program. Also present were Leonardo Helicopters Managing Director Gian Piero Cutillo and various local, state, and federal political representatives, including Congressman Donald Norcross and Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney.
The complete demand stands at 130 aircraft, with deliveries projected to extend through the calendar year of 2024. The initial firm-fixed-price agreement, amounting to nearly $177 million that was awarded in 2020, encompassed the manufacturing and delivery of 32 TH-73A helicopters, along with initial spares, support equipment, and specialized pilot and maintenance services. In November 2020, the U.S. Department of Defense opted for an additional 36 aircraft through a $171 million fixed-price contract.
“Today’s occasion signifies a pivotal achievement for Leonardo, highlighting our expanding commitment and resolve to evolve from a mere supplier to a partner and strategic asset for the United States across various sectors,” stated Alessandro Profumo, CEO of Leonardo. “We take pride in being a fundamental contributor to the future of U.S. defense.”
“The U.S. Navy anticipates the highest standards of training for its future aviators,” noted Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters. “We are privileged to commence the delivery of the aircraft selected for this crucial mission. This day represents merely the commencement of our journey to assist the Navy in nurturing the capabilities of forthcoming generations of aviation trainees.”
“This is an important day for both Leonardo and Philadelphia. Producing the aircraft that will train our nation’s future Naval Aviators transcends mere honor; it is a deeply humbling and remarkably satisfying experience,” expressed William Hunt, Chief Executive Officer of Leonardo Helicopters in the U.S. “I am thrilled with the dedication of our team in the U.S. that has made this initial delivery possible, with many more to come.”
The TH-73A is set to replace the outdated fleet of TH-57B/C Sea Rangers and will act as the primary training aircraft for thousands of Student Naval Aviators at NAS Whiting Field in Milton, FL, where all student helicopter pilots for the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard, along with several NATO allies, receive training. To support this new fleet, Leonardo has revealed plans for the establishment of a modern 100,000 sq. ft. helicopter support center at Whiting Aviation Park, directly across from NAS Whiting Field for instantaneous maintenance and repair support, with groundbreaking anticipated in December 2021.
The TH-73A, based on the IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) certified model of the well-regarded commercial AW119Kx, is ideally suited for introductory training flights and also equipped for advanced training. Featuring a robust and dependable Pratt & Whitney PT-6 engine, dual safety and hydraulic systems, along with cutting-edge digital avionics from Genesys Aerosystems, the TH-73 can execute every maneuver outlined in the U.S. Navy’s training syllabus, ensuring a smooth transition from basic maneuvers to advanced operational exercises. The Advanced Helicopter Training System will innovate Navy training technology, transitioning it from analog to digital formats, designed to serve aviation students until 2050 or beyond.
