The Sikorsky S-92 Airline and Corporate Transport

A derivative of the US Army Black Hawk and the US Navy Sea Hawk, the S-92 fulfils a variety of commercial and utility needs, including passenger transport, cargo, aeromedical, search and rescue and resource development support.

Breaking new ground for medium-weight helicopters, the S-92 provides unprecedented levels of safety and reliability. It is the only rotorcraft in the world certified to the latest FAA, EASA and JAA safety regulations and is designed to the latest specifications for flaw tolerance, bird strike capability and turbine burst protection.

The OEI performance of the S92 is eye-watering. The single remaining engine provides TWICE the power of an S61 engine for only 20% more gross weight (2700 HP OEI and 26,000 lbs). In fact, the one engine provides about the same power as the two S61 engines!

The performance and design goals that were originally set out for the S-92 have been achieved:

• Airline - Transport 19 passengers (@ 210lbs) 476 nm (881 km) Plus 30-minute reserves
• Offshore - JAR-OPS 3 Performance Class 2e Elevated Helideck Performance
• VIP - Transport 9 passengers (@ 210lbs) 479 nm (887 km) Plus 30-minute reserves
• Provide military and civil operators with a true S-61 replacement
• Substantial reduction in operating costs
• Incorporation of offshore safety features
• Low maintenance and high reliability

With the best performance in its weight class, a low purchase price, a roomy interior and noise suppression, the S-92 has an exciting time ahead. The aircraft first flew in December 1998 and FAA Type Certification was achieved in December 2002.