Sikorsky Introduces S-92A+™ And S-92B™ Helicopters

ATLANTA, March 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), today announced new plans for its S-92® helicopter line that will re-designate fielded helicopters as the S-92A+ after modification, and newly produced aircraft as the S-92B. The two variants will share a nearly identical configuration, with S-92B helicopters also featuring enlarged cabin windows and plans for a common cabin door suitable for offshore and SAR configurations. The announcement came at the 2019 Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo show.

The S-92 helicopter boasts a best-in-class safety record and sets the industry standard for reliability. These changes to the venerable S-92 helicopter will introduce new technology that is focused on reliability and operating cost reduction, while at the same time delivering increased capability. Changes will increase commonality of the aircraft between the offshore, SAR, and utility configurations and allow for speedier reconfiguration between roles, making it an even better choice for operators that want a diverse aircraft capable of multiple missions. Sikorsky expects to launch an hourly aftermarket support program, reflecting a targeted economic improvement of the S-92A+ and S-92B, that will be available concurrent with deliveries.

Sikorsky's S-92 helicopter fleet update will include the introduction of phase one MATRIXTMtechnology that will bring advanced computing power to the platform. This foundation enables adoption of autonomous landing technology such as Rig ApproachTM 2.0 and a new technology from Sikorsky's Innovations lab called SuperSearchTM that uses advanced algorithms to locate objects up to 30 percent faster. Both aircraft will include SAR AFCS and a newly designed interior that is lighter and common to both SAR and OSO missions.

Notably, both configurations will include the Phase IV main gearbox. This gearbox has been validated to exceed the requirements of CFR 29.927(c) as demonstrated by full-scale testing witnessed by the FAA. All of the primary lubrication system oil was removed prior to operating the gearbox for the equivalent of over 500 nautical miles of flight at an airspeed of 80 knots. No discernable anomalies were identified during the post-test examination.

General Electric's CT7-8A6 engine, capable of producing more power in higher altitudes and hotter temperatures, also will be available as an option for both the S-92A+ and S-92B products.

Sikorsky has significantly invested to bring these capabilities into production, but will let market interest determine the pace of remaining internal research and development spending. Current plans have initial availability set for 2022 and have an S-92B helicopter price target below historical S-92 prices. The S-92A+ kit is being designed to allow common fleet benefit at an economical targeted price.

"Our S-92 aircraft has set the standard for modern helicopters, and we're excited with these changes that will ensure it remains so," said Audrey Brady, Sikorsky Vice President, Commercial Systems & Services. "Reliability means safety. Reliability means economics. With these updates and an unmatched cabin size and capacity, our customers will see an economic benefit demonstrating that the S-92 is the best choice in helicopter missions near or far."

"We think safety is a good investment, and so we welcome Sikorsky's investment in this significant new technology, which will drive greater reliability, resilience and operational capability," said Gretchen Haskins, CEO of HeliOffshore.

Since 2004, Sikorsky has delivered more than 300 production S-92 helicopters. The industry standard for safety and reliability, the S-92 helicopter is the preferred aircraft of its size class for offshore oil worker transportation. In 2018, the fleet flew 175,000 hours, a record for the fleet, contributing to a total of nearly 1.5 million hours flown.

SIKORSKY RINDE HOMENAJE AL GUARDACOSTAS DEL REINO UNIDO

FARNBOROUGH, Inglaterra / PRNewswire / - Sikorsky, una compañía Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), celebró el pasado día 18 de julio sus 35 años de asociación con la Agencia Marítima y el Guardacostas del Reino Unido (MCA, Maritime & Coastguard Agency), honrando sus heroicas misiones recientes en las que se han salvado vidas. La ceremonia de reconocimiento se celebró en el Farnborough International Airshow.  

La relación entre Sikorsky y la MCA data del año 1983, cuando la Agencia comenzó a operar el helicóptero Sikorsky S-61N. 

La flota de aeronaves de ala rotatotia del Guardacostas británico incluye actualmente 12 aeronaves Sikorsky S-92®, que operan desde las bases SAR de Newquay , Caernarfon, Sumburgh, Stornoway, Humberside e Inverness.

Desde abril de 2015 , el MCA ha utilizado su flota de helicópteros S-92 para llevar a cabo más de 4.500 misiones SAR (búsqueda y rescate).

"Sikorsky tiene el honor de formar parte de la misión del MCA durante los últimos 35 años, y la Agencia se enorgullece de que el S-92 desempeñe un papel tan importante al disponer de una máquina segura, eficaz y fiable con la que salvar vidas", Dale Bennett (Vicepresidente Ejecutivo de Lockheed Martin's Rotary and Mission Systems), "Con Sikorsky, como parte de Lockheed Martin, nuestro objetivo es apoyar plenamente a todos nuestros clientes de helicópteros comerciales y la totalidad de las misiones que realizan con ellos".

"Estoy muy orgulloso de la asociación que tenemos con Sikorsky, que lleva desarrollándose a lo largo de los últimos 35 años", Damien Oliver , Director del Programa de Aviación de la MCA. "Las aeronaves de Sikorsky ofrecen las mejores capacidades para las misiones de búsqueda y rescate, sin las cuales nuestras tripulaciones no podrían ofrecer un servicio SAR de primer nivel, salvando vidas de personas que se encuentran en dificultades en la mar, en zonas costeras e incluso en offshore en todo el Reino Unido".  

En la ceremonia se incluyó el honrar los recientes esfuerzos de la tripulación del helicóptero de la base del HM Coastguard en Inverness el mes pasado (el premio de Sikorsky Winged-S se concede a aquellas personas que como mínimo hayan salvado una vida humana con una aeronave de Sikorsky).

En junio de 2018 , un equipo de cuatro guardacostas del HM que operaban un helicóptero S-92 rescató a dos niños trasladándolos a lugar seguro. Los niños, de 11 y 14 años, nadaban en el océano cuando la marea comenzó a subir y fueron incapaces de alcanzar a la orilla.

Los chicos pudieron subirse a una formación rocosa en alta mar a medida que la marea creciente amenazaba con sumergir las rocas. Fue un ciudadano quien vio a los menores en apuros e inmedíatamente lo notificó al HM Coastguard.

La tripulación con base en Inverness respondió en tres minutos, recogiendo a los muchachos y poniéndolos a salvo en la misma playa.

Este premio, o galardón, de rescate es el número 50º otorgado a la MCA por Sikorsky.

SIKORSKY CELEBRATES TWO SOUTH KOREAN COAST GUARD CREWS WITH WINGED-S RESCUE AWARDS

As the South Korean Coast Guard prepares to take delivery of its second S-92 helicopter for the critical mission of Search and Rescue, Sikorsky today celebrated two Coast Guard crews with Winged-S Rescue Awards for lifesaving achievement and Search and Rescue response.

Just recently, on Feb. 27, the Korea Coast Guard performed a daytime mission five miles off the coast of South Korea.  A crane accident caused severe injury and head trauma to a crew member on board a fishing boat.  Two security patrol boats, a marine rescue team and an S-92 helicopter were dispatched.  At the scene, rescuers determined that the S-92 helicopter would provide the most efficient life-saving transportation for the struggling victim.  The patient was hoisted into the aircraft and safely transported to a nearby hospital where he is now recovering.

In a challenging night-time environment on June 29, 2015, an S-92 helicopter and Coast Guard crew rescued an injured fisherman who had severely lacerated a hand while hauling in his net.  After evaluating its aerial fleet, the Coast Guard determined the S-92 was the most capable aircraft for the mission. It subsequently launched the S-92 helicopter, retrieved the wounded fisherman, and flew him to a hospital in time to save a nearly amputated extremity.

To recognize these lifesaving achievements, Sikorsky’s President Dan Schultz presented members of the South Korean Coast Guard with two prestigious Winged-S Rescue Awards. Beginning in 1950, the Winged-S Rescue Award Program is meant to honor all those who perform rescues flying a Sikorsky helicopter. Through this award, Sikorsky gratefully acknowledges the humanitarian efforts of all pilots and crewmembers that put themselves in harm's way to save others, fulfilling Igor Sikorsky's vision of the helicopter.

Just one month after delivery in 2014, the aircraft was called into action to help rescue survivors of the MV Sewol ferry, which capsized off the southern coast. During the rescue efforts, the Korean Coast Guard flew 220 missions with its S-92 helicopter, transporting rescue divers and material to the scene of the accident.

“The S-92 helicopter has performed exceptionally in every mission, and is very reliable,” said a Republic of Korea Coast Guard spokesperson. “During the difficult time of the ferry incident, we did not miss a single mission.”

Since then, the Korean Coast Guard has already saved 30 lives, flying search and rescue and emergency medical transport missions with the S-92.

Sikorsky’s President Dan Schultz also presented a framed photograph in front of the Coast Guard’s new S-92 aircraft.  The inscription quoted Igor Sikorsky and reads, “Always remember that the reputation of an aircraft is not due to the manufacturer alone, but primarily to the men and women who fly that machine...the aircrews who demonstrate their skill and dedication on a daily basis around the world."