The US Navy has ordered 26 additional TH-73A “Thrasher” helicopters from Leonardo as part of a $110-million agreement.
The aircraft will replace the service’s aging fleet of TH-57B/C Sea Rangers and will be used as a training aircraft.
They will be produced in Philadelphia and are expected to be delivered by 2024.
In 2020, the US Navy ordered the first 32 TH-73A choppers from Leonardo. It also awarded a $171-million follow-on contract for 36 more.
Another $159.4-million contract for 36 more training aircraft was awarded last year, bringing the total to 130.
TH-73A Training Helicopters
Part of the Advanced Helicopter Training System, the TH-37A is designed to help produce the next generation of rotary and tilt-rotor pilots for the US Navy and US Marine Corps.
It is equipped with a Pratt & Whitney PT-6 engine, dual safety systems, and digital avionics.
According to Leonardo, the chopper can support advanced training and perform every maneuver in the US Navy’s training syllabus.
It has improved power, speed, payload capacity, and endurance over the TH-57B/C Sea Ranger.