Also Updates Progress of S-76D Helicopter Program

Increased maximum gross weight capability and advancements in automation for offshore navigation are among the enhancements Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has planned in the near future for its S-92 helicopter, the company announced Tuesday at the biannual Helitech exhibition.

Marc Poland, Vice President of Sikorsky Global Helicopters, delivered a press briefing to outline Sikorsky's plans for its commercial helicopter programs, which include the S-434, S-300C, S-92, H-92 and S-76 helicopters.

Among the key improvements being planned for the S-92 helicopter are:

• Increased maximum gross weight from 26,500 pounds to above 27,000 pounds.
• Improvements to the durability of the main gear box.
• Limited icing certification.
• A fully coupled and automated approach capability that will allow pilots to approach offshore platforms with greater safety and lower minimums.

Sikorsky S-92

"Sikorsky remains committed to improving reliability and operability, and these enhancements for the S-92 helicopter are the result of that commitment," Poland said. "We continue to grow our products with a focus on customer satisfaction, safety and dedication to the innovative philosophy that has been the hallmark of Sikorsky Aircraft."

Poland said further improvements to the Rotor Ice Protection System have been deployed and are the result of steady work on the system since the 2009 icing season. "We have worked hard to significantly improve the reliability and maintainability of all RIPS components and sub-systems," he said.

For offshore oil operators, Sikorsky announced an automated approach system that it says reduces cockpit workload and allows safer operations under challenging weather and operating conditions.

At a news briefing at Helitech, the company said the new platform-finding system provides a fully coupled and automated approach capability with a higher safety margin than currently is available with any other offshore approach procedure.

"Depending on the weather, landing a helicopter on an oil platform can be challenging," said Ron Doeppner, project pilot on the S-92 helicopter program. "With the platform-finding system, the pilot programs the approach into the autopilot and the aircraft flies the approach. This allows the pilots to spend less time concentrating inside the cockpit and more time looking outside for visual cues. This feature is especially valuable in night and low visibility conditions, adding an extra element of operational safety."

The system will allow the helicopter to land and take off in more weather conditions, maximizing flight availability and revenue potential.

Sikorsky S-76

In other developments, Sikorsky's S-76D helicopter, the next generation model in the S-76 helicopter series, also is continuing its flight envelope expansion, with more than 40 flight hours logged. Among the S-76D helicopter's features are all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades; an advanced Thales avionics system and autopilot; dual speed rotor with active vibration control; powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada 210S engines; a quiet mode for enhanced public acceptance; and an optional Rotor Ice Protection System (RIPS) for all-weather capability. The S-76D helicopter also will offer an increase in useful load and extended range performance versus the S-76C+ and S-76C++ aircraft currently fielded.

Other highlights noted by Poland:

• The S-76D prototype D1 is in active flight test with prototype D2 in final check-out, preparing for flight in October. Build-up of a third prototype is under way at Sikorsky Global Helicopters' Coatesville, PA, facility, with anticipated delivery to the flight test center in Q4.
• The S-434 helicopter produced by the Light Helicopter division of Sikorsky Global Helicopters is flying and pursuing FAA certification.
• The first production CH-148 helicopter, being developed for Canada's Maritime Helicopter Program, is flying and scheduled to begin sea trials later this year.

FMI: www.sikorsky.com