President Donald Trump has announced the construction of a granite helipad on the South Lawn of the White House to support the new VH-92A Patriot helicopter. The helipad, which will be paid for by Sikorsky, the manufacturer of the VH-92A, will resolve issues with the helicopter's intense exhaust heat and rotor wash damaging the lawn.
The VH-92A is set to replace the aging VH-3D Sea King, which has been in service for over 45 years. The new helicopter is more powerful and has increased capabilities, but its deployment has been delayed due to the lawn damage issue.
The helipad is expected to be completed this summer, and its construction will finally allow the VH-3D Sea King to retire. The new helipad will also be available for events and press conferences when not in use by Marine One.
