First new Navy trng helo delivered

Leonardo Helicopters delivered its first TH-73A training helicopter to the Navy on June 10 in Philadelphia, Pa. It is intended to replace the TH-57 Sea Ranger trainer, which has been in service since 1968. Leonardo won the contract to provide the helicopter for an undergraduate Advanced Helicopter raining System (AHTS). They were awarded an initial $177M contract for 32 aircraft. A second batch of 36 was ordered in November, valued at $171M. The Navy has a total requirement for 130, with deliveries to be completed during 2024, which includes simulators, logistics support, maintenance and flight line support. There are 14 helicopters in the assembly process in Philadelphia. Delivery of these initial helicopters will allow the Navy to begin training a cadre of instructors and validating a new syllabus prior to the first students flying the aircraft. The TH-73As will operate with Training Air Wing Five (TAW-5) from NAS Whiting Field, Fla. TAW-5 is responsible for training all rotary-wing students for the Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as some allied nations. Initially, the TH-73As will be housed and serviced in a temporary hangar pending the construction of a new maintenance facility. Leonardo is building a 100,000 SF hangar in Whiting Aviation Park, across from NASWF. In December, Leonardo intends to break ground for the project, and construction is expected to commence in 2023. (Source: AINOnline 06/11/21) Leonardo Delivers First TH-73A Trainer Helicopter to U.S. Navy | Defense News: Aviation International News (ainonline.com)