Also Increases Payload Rating

Sikorsky announced late Tuesday night the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has authorized its S-92 helicopter to take off and land in high crosswind conditions and to carry additional payload based on available engine power.

The FAA approvals allow the S-92 to take off and land in strong blowing crosswinds of up to 35 knots, versus the previous limitation of 20 knots, and to carry additional payload based on the aircraft's surplus power on a given day. The GE CT7-8A engine used on the S-92 routinely provides power reserves in excess of minimum requirements. These two approvals enhance the S-92's ability to handle demanding missions around the world.

Sikorsky expects the aviation regulatory authorities in Canada and Europe will follow suit and validate the upgrades within their jurisdictions.

"The S-92 already has earned a leadership position in servicing the offshore oil industry," said Brian Young, S-92 program manager. "These new approvals will further solidify that position given the often difficult weather conditions with which the oil industry must contend."

The timing of the FAA's approvals comes as Sikorsky is offering an S-92 military variant, the HH-92, in the US Air Force competition for a combat search and rescue helicopter. Sikorsky notes the S-92 is the only helicopter in its size class certified to the latest US, Canadian and European safety standards. The manufacturer also claims the S-92 offers the lowest lifecycle costs of any medium lift helicopter, and is engineered to reduce routine maintenance requirements by 80 percent and operating costs by 40 percent when compared with past-generation helicopters.

In addition to the oil industry, the S-92 fulfills such other missions as search and rescue, VIP and head of state transport. The Sikorsky-made fleet of S-92 helicopters operating worldwide recently achieved the 50,000 flight hour milestone in just 33 months after delivery of the first aircraft.

FMI: www.sikorsky.com, www.faa.gov