Leonardo celebrated a significant milestone with the delivery of the 100th TH-73A Thrasher helicopter to the United States Navy. This cutting-edge training helicopter is designed to supplant the obsolete TH-57B/C Sea Rangers and instruct the new wave of naval aviators.
The TH-73A is an updated version of the commercial AW119Kx, featuring advanced digital avionics and improved safety attributes. It is expected to serve the U.S. Navy for numerous years, facilitating essential training for pilots in the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and allied nations.
Leonardo expressed its pride in enhancing the Navy’s instructional framework and its commitment to meeting the evolving demands of its partners. The company emphasized the importance of providing top-notch training to ensure the readiness of future naval aviators.
The TH-73A represents a crucial upgrade to the Navy’s instructional capabilities, showcasing advanced features and a seamless transition from basic flying to complex operational training. It is anticipated to play a vital role in developing highly skilled naval aviators prepared to meet the challenges of modern warfare.
Training Insights
As of mid-August, the Navy’s premier helicopter training program includes over 317 total Student Naval Aviators (SNAs), with 185, or 58%, currently participating in the TH-73A training initiative.
This statistic is projected to rise to 66% as the second of three squadrons concludes its transition this fall. The third and final squadron, Helicopter Training Squadron (HT) 28, is expected to start its transition to the TH-73 later this year.
Additionally, the commitment to flight training remains unwavering, evidenced by the secure and effective completion of over 43,000 flight hours dedicated to the Navy’s training requirements. To enhance the dynamic training landscape, 133 Training Air Wing (TW) 5 instructor pilots have been certified in the TH-73A, including 86 conversion instructors and 47 new Instructors Under Training (IUTs). Several more IUTs continue to hone their skills within the helicopter instructor training unit. The program also benefits from the expertise of eight contract maintenance provider Functional Check Pilots who are qualified in the model to directly support the initiative. To date, over 200 SNAs have successfully concluded the TH-73A syllabus and have been designated as Naval Aviators.
