The White House has confirmed that contractors are redoing a new helipad on the South Lawn to accommodate a recently added supersized Marine One helicopter in the presidential transport fleet. A White House official stated that the changes to the circular concrete landing pad were ordered as part of ongoing improvements to best meet the needs of the White House.

The Washington Post reported that former President Donald Trump was unhappy with the helipad's appearance and the slope of the lawn. Construction crews have reportedly been working "around the clock" to complete the project, which the president hoped would finish before Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the US in late September.

While helicopters do not strictly require a level surface, the White House lawn slopes as much as 20 degrees in some areas, which might necessitate adjustments to the lawn's gradient so the helipad can sit level with the horizon.

The new Marine One is a militarized variant of the Sikorsky S-92, known as the VH-92A Patriot, manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. It is considerably larger and more powerful than the previous Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King and features exhaust vents that direct heat downward.

White House spokesman Davis Ingle said in a statement, "For years, the White House has desperately needed a proper Helipad on White House grounds that will allow the president to land safely and also protect the beautiful South Lawn grass from the fierce exhaust fumes of the incredible Marine One."

This helipad project is among several recent White House improvements, including a new ballroom on the East Wing and renovations to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool.

Sources