President Donald Trump is reportedly considering the construction of a permanent helipad on the White House South Lawn to accommodate the new Marine One helicopter, the VH-92A Patriot. This move aims to prevent the powerful helicopter’s exhaust from scorching the historic lawn, an issue that has been a concern since the helicopter’s introduction.
According to The Daily Beast, Trump has discussed the helipad’s design with his associates, and it could be installed as soon as this summer. The VH-92A Patriot, a highly upgraded model of the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter, has been earmarked to replace the older VH-3D Sea King, which has been in use for decades. However, the new helicopter’s exhaust has been known to burn grass, which has prevented it from landing on the South Lawn.
The Telegraph reports that efforts to find a technical solution to the grass-burning issue have been ongoing since 2018, with Sikorsky Aircraft and Lockheed Martin working on the problem. Despite these efforts, a permanent helipad is now being considered as the most viable solution.
This potential renovation is the latest in a series of changes President Trump has made to the White House grounds. Previous projects include the construction of a ballroom and the overhaul of the Rose Garden. The helipad plan has sparked debate, with some critics arguing that it could detract from the historic aesthetic of the White House. A retired Marine One pilot told ABC6 that a temporary landing pad might be a better alternative.
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