The US Naval Air Systems Command has awarded a contract to Leonardo subsidiary AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corp for the delivery of an additional 36 TH-73A helicopters, bringing the total number of units on order to 104.
Work under the contract, worth $159.4 million, is expected to be completed in December 2023.
This latest modification contract follows two orders from January and November 2020. The navy has a requirement for a total of 130 aircraft, as 36 more choppers are yet to be ordered.
In January 2020, the US Navy had awarded Leonardo the initial contract of over $177 million for 32 aircraft. The first TH-73A helicopter was presented to the service in June of this year.
TH-73A Helicopter
The TH-73A is crucial in providing higher fidelity training to future rotary-wing and tilt-rotor pilots for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The new aircraft will meet the capability and capacity gaps of the TH-57 Sea Ranger training platform.
“The cutting-edge technology and advanced avionics within the Advanced Helicopter Training System will enable a more seamless transition from the training aircraft to fleet aircraft, this in turn allows more focus on high end warfighting development and training,” a statement of the US Navy released in June said.
“The aircraft incorporates a modern avionics suite with a fully integrated flight management system, automatic flight control system and independent digital cockpit displays to both pilot stations,” it added.