Sikorsky Aircraft has been selected by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) to receive its prestigious 2002 Robert J. Collier Trophy, honoring the all-new S-92 helicopter as "the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America."

Sikorsky was chosen for designing, manufacturing, testing and introducing into service the S-92 helicopter, an aircraft that combines exceptional safety and performance features to dramatically raise the standards for helicopter travel. The Collier Trophy is regarded worldwide as the most prestigious award in the aerospace industry.

"This award ratifies the truly breakthrough nature of the Sikorsky S-92," said Sikorsky President Dean Borgman. "The Collier Trophy is a benchmark for aviation excellence and achievement, and we are deeply honored that the S-92 is taking its place among the most important aeronautical accomplishments of the past century."

The S-92 achieved type certification from the FAA in December 2002, with FAA Regional Administrator Amy Corbett calling the aircraft "the world's safest helicopter."

Breaking new ground for medium-weight helicopters, the S-92 provides unprecedented levels of safety and reliability. It is the only aircraft in its class certified to the rigorous FAA Part 29 requirements, incorporating the latest specifications for flaw tolerance, bird strike capability and turbine burst protection.

In addition to its superior safety features, the S-92 excels in the areas of performance and low operating cost. The aircraft offers a 50% decrease in internal noise and 30% decrease in vibration over existing helicopters, offering passengers a quieter and more comfortable ride. Dramatically reduced operating costs make helicopter airlines more economically viable.

Borgman noted that these same innovations have great appeal to potential military customers.

"Safety, reliability, performance and low operating cost are all major advantages that are incorporated into the H-92, the military version of the S-92. Coupled with the combat virtues of its drive train, such as ballistic tolerance, the H-92 is an outstanding candidate for the next generation Presidential transport mission for the US Marine Corps and the Combat Search and Rescue mission of the US Air Force."

The S-92 Team, under the leadership of S-92 Program Manager Nick Lappos, also includes General Electric (engines) and Rockwell Collins (cockpit flight instruments).

FMI: www.sikorsky.com