The U.S. Department of Defence has awarded AgustaWestland Philadelphia a US110.5 million firm fixed-price modification to the previously awarded contract for the U.S. Navy’s Advanced Helicopter Training System. This modification exercises an option for the production and delivery of 26 TH-73A Lot IV aircraft in support of the programme for the Navy. The helicopters will be produced in Philadelphia. Work is expected to be completed in December 2024.
In January 2020, Leonardo, through AgustaWestland Philadelphia, was awarded a firm fixed-price contract valued at US$176 million for the production and delivery of an initial 32 TH-73A helicopters along with spares, support, dedicated equipment and specific pilot/maintenance training services. In November 2020, a second lot of 36 aircraft were ordered through a US$171 million contract modification and in December 2021, a third lot of 36 aircraft was ordered through a US$159.4 million contract modification.
The TH-73A, made solely at Leonardo’s FAA-certified Part 21 Production line in Philadelphia, PA, will train the next generation of student aviators from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. In September of 2022, the first twelve students began training on the TH-73A, now nicknamed the “Thrasher” by the U.S. Navy and in November 2022, the first of those students completed their inaugural solo flights. (£1.00 = US$1.20 at time of publication)
