Building on a flawless summer of S-92 flight demonstrations across Northern Europe, Sikorsky Aircraft's helicopter chalet was the destination of choice at the recent Helitech show, performing 26 sorties in five days in an impressive display of showmanship for key and potential customers spanning the VIP and offshore oil markets.

The aircraft remained aloft for more than 11 hours while head-of-state entourages, the Irish Coast Guard, the Hong Kong Government Flying Service and a Billboard rock star took turns soaring over the U.K. town of Duxford in the 19-seat helicopter.

"We maintained our schedule with near 100 percent availability for the entire eight-week tour, allowing us to meet an extremely aggressive demonstration program," said Steve Estill, Vice President of Worldwide Sales.

"As a result, we are seeing emerging customer interest at every turn."

Before settling in Duxford, Sikorsky customers from England to Norway were able to experience firsthand the S-92's capabilities as the helicopter took to the skies. The demonstration schedule kept the aircraft flying seven days a week, up to five hours per day, for a total of 97 overall flight hours. More than 1,000 passengers were flown, including approximately 90 pilots and numerous media personnel.

Arriving from Antwerp, Belgium, the S-92 began its demonstration tour in Stansted, England, where pre-Paris Air Show demos were conducted for several U.K. customers. Following the Paris Air Show, offshore oil operators Bristow and CHC-Scotia were given demonstrations in Aberdeen, Scotland.

A trip across the North Sea brought the S-92 to the Norsk facility in Bergen, Norway, where the aircraft was shown to employees and customers. Other stops in Norway included the CHC Helicopter Service facility in Stavanger, and the Norwegian Ministry of Justice in Oslo. The Ministry has a requirement for SAR aircraft, scheduled for tender early next year.

In Helsinki, Finland, the S-92 was demonstrated to Copterline Helicopters, which currently uses Sikorsky S-76s in airline service between Helsinki and Tallinn, Estonia. "The aircraft performed like a dream," added Estill.

The S-92 demonstrator is heading back to US shores at the moment, following a whirlwind eight-week mission abroad.

FMI: www.sikorsky.com