10 things you didn’t know about Obama’s choppers that landed in K.U

On Tuesday, two CV-22 Osprey military choppers and the big Marine One landed in Kenyatta University in preparation for the US president Obama’s visit to Kenya. Now, below are the facts about the planes and what they do;

1. The CV-22 Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft that combines the vertical takeoff, hover and vertical landing qualities of a helicopter with the long-range, fuel efficiency and speed characteristics of a turboprop aircraft.

2. Its mission is to conduct long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply missions for special operations forces.

3. The CV-22 Osprey offers increased speed and range over other rotary-wing aircraft, enabling Air Force Special Operations Command aircrews to execute long-range special operations missions.

4. The CV-22 is equipped with integrated threat countermeasures, terrain-following radar, forward-looking infrared sensor and other advanced avionics systems that allow it to operate at low altitude in adverse weather conditions and medium- to high-threat environments.

5. It has the maximum Vertical takeoff weight: 52,870 pounds (23,982 kilograms) and maximum rolling takeoff Weight: 60,500 pounds (27,443 kilograms)

6. The VH-71 Marine One helicopter is 64 feet long. It is outfitted to carry 14 passengers and has a galley kitchen and a lavatory. The helicopter has a range of 350 miles.

7. Marine One helicopters always fly along with 3-5 identical helicopters acting as decoys. They also constantly switch positions during the flight to keep the President’s location hidden.

8. Marine One is the call sign used when the President is on board of one of the HMX-1 Marine helicopters.

9. In May 2014, a new contract to build the new fleet of 21 Marine One helicopters was awarded once again to Sikorsky Aircraft. It is expected to be operational by 2023, at which point they will replace the currently used Sea Kings and White Hawks.

10. The HMX-1 squadron is headquartered at Quantico, Virginia, and the fleet is supervised by more than 800 marines. Every member is require to pass a Yankee White background check, which is necessary for all Department of Defense employees working with the President or the Vice President.