New All-Weather Software Also Certified To Enhance SAR Capabilities

Sikorsky said Monday that the FAA has approved the expansion of the S-92A helicopter’s operating envelope to execute Category A vertical takeoffs and landings from ground-level helipads. To receive this certification, a helicopter must, among other requirements, be able to continue operating safely in the event of a single engine failure, either by landing or continuing to fly to safety from the helipad. The certification process is intended to increase safety particularly in densely populated areas with ground-level helipads such as metropolitan hospitals. The S-92A helicopters’ certified performance capabilities also include Category A and B airfield take-off and landing, and Class D certification for carrying occupants externally such as by rescue hoist.

Sikorsky S-92 File Image

“During the past 12 months, we have added more than 20 enhancements to the S-92 helicopter and increased its capabilities significantly. This is a robust, proven and rugged aircraft that we are committed to continually improving,” said Carey Bond, president of Sikorsky Global Helicopters.

S-92 helicopters perform search and rescue and a variety of transportation missions for VIPs including Heads of State, offshore oil and gas crews, and utility and airline passengers. The fleet of 132 S-92 helicopters has accumulated more than 295,000 flight hours since deliveries began in 2004.

The FAA also approved an advanced and highly integrated, all-weather operating system that enhances the S-92 helicopter’s already proven search and rescue (SAR) capabilities. The approval follows previous certification of the system in 2007 by the European Aviation Safety Agency, which is the regulatory agency for the European Union, and now allows S-92 SAR operators in the U.S. to use the technology as well. Also, since Transport Canada generally accepts FAA policy, approval for use by S-92 SAR operators in Canada is expected to follow.

The Search and Rescue Automatic Flight Control System (SAR AFCS) integrates weather radar, thermal imaging and search sensors to provide the ability for a search and rescue crew to fly to a geographic waypoint, engage the automatic hover feature, and focus on bringing survivors safely onboard using the aircraft’s rescue hoist. The system enables automatic search patterns, lock-on capability once the target is located, and steady hover control for the rescue – all functions that greatly reduce crew workload and increase the likelihood of successful rescues in challenging weather conditions.

“The S-92 helicopter has distinguished itself as the premier search and rescue aircraft while operating the past several years for the U.K. Maritime Coastguard Agency,” said Carey Bond, president of Sikorsky Global Helicopters. “This system increases the margin of safety and success in performing the more difficult rescues that are complicated by tempestuous weather. Sikorsky has a long legacy of providing life-saving rotorcraft technology, and we remain committed to continually doing so.”

In addition to search and rescue, S-92 helicopters perform a variety of transportation missions for VIPs including Heads of State, offshore oil and gas crews, utility and airline passengers. The worldwide fleet of 132 S-92 helicopters has accumulated more than 295,000 flight hours since deliveries began in 2004.

FMI: www.sikorsky.com