White House Plans Permanent South Lawn Helipad for VH-92A Helicopters

The White House is planning to construct a permanent helipad on the South Lawn to accommodate a new generation of presidential helicopters, according to people familiar with the matter. The proposal, which could be implemented as early as this summer, would alter one of the most iconic settings in American political imagery.

The plan is driven by operational concerns with the VH-92A Patriot helicopter, which is intended to replace the decades-old VH-3D Sea King. Officials have known for years that the new aircraft’s engines direct hot exhaust downward, posing a risk of scorching the grass, especially in hot and dry conditions. A 2018 Government Accountability Office report flagged that the helicopter’s systems could damage the lawn.

This issue has prevented the Marine Corps from using the VH-92A for presidential arrivals and departures at the White House. Although the newer helicopter made its public debut years ago and has flown presidents outside of Washington, it has not landed on the South Lawn. The Marine Corps has consequently extended the service life of the older VH-3D fleet, which will now remain in use until at least 2027. A Marine Corps spokesman stated the full...