S-92 Boasts Double-Digit Orders

Sikorsky was bragging a bunch as HAI's Heli-Expo wrapped up this week. Sikorsky Aircraft has sold more than 20 S-92 aircraft worth in excess of $340 million, which the company says makes this the most successful new commercial product launch in the company's history. In addition to the confirmed sales, Sikorsky also has 17 options and four deposit agreements for the S-92.

Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. (PHI) was presented keys to the first production S-92 in a public ceremony at Heli-Expo today. The delivery marks the first of two S-92 aircraft slated to enter service with PHI in 2004 to support deepwater drilling and production activity in the Gulf of Mexico. "The S-92 represents the latest technology in terms of design and safety," said Lance Bospflug, PHI President and CEO.

Other customers include such respected offshore operators as Norsk Helikopter of Norway and Canada's CHC Helicopter Corporation, and several VIP customers, attesting to the aircraft's versatility and confidence in Sikorsky.

"The S-92 has had great success in penetrating the offshore oil industry," said Jeff Pino, Senior Vice President-Marketing and Commercial Programs. "We're also extremely pleased with the interest we're seeing in both the airline and VIP transport communities. The S-92 has quickly established itself as the premier helicopter in its class."

Evolved from the proven S-70 BLACK HAWK and SEAHAWK aircraft, the S-92 incorporates more than 50 years of Sikorsky civil and multi-mission helicopter experience. The aircraft is available in a variety of configurations for commercial customers, including offshore oil, VIP transport, airline operations and other missions.

Combining the latest in airworthiness technology with levels of performance and productivity that are Sikorsky hallmarks, the Sikorsky S-92 represents a major addition to the medium-lift utility helicopter market in a unique package of features that provide state-of-the-art protection to passengers and crew. Certified to the latest and most rigorous Federal Aviation Administration safety standards, the Sikorsky S-92 has been designated "the safest helicopter in the world" by the FAA.

Five prototype aircraft have achieved 2,480 flight hours to date, and two of the aircraft have been designated for special missions. Aircraft #4 has been turned into the VH-92 demonstrator, representing the type of aircraft the company is presenting for the U.S. Presidential helicopter bid. Aircraft #3 is making tremendous progress on rigorous icing tests in Marquette, Michigan. The aircraft will move into natural icing tests later this month once the tanker icing missions are complete. Aircraft #5 has returned to its base in West Palm Beach, Fla., where it is undergoing flotation testing and altitude flying.

FMI: www.sikorsky.com