Sikorsky helicopters aimed to satisfy military and civil markets

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation is confident that its dual-purpose S-92 helicopter programme will meet customer requirements for both civil missions and military operations. The military variant, the H-92, is on display at the Paris Air Show as a cabin mock-up.

The Sikorsky S-92, developed from the S-70 Black Hawk and Seahawk, offers stand-up cabin flexibility, rapid convertibility, and a full cabin-width rear ramp. It is available either as a 19-passenger commercial variant, or in its H-92 guise, a 22-troop utility helicopter.

Sikorsky reports successful flight tests during long-range missions with a maximum contingency takeoff weight of 31,000 lbs (14,515 kg). The range/payload performance of the S-92 civil variant is expected to meet the requirement of 400 nautical miles (741 kilometres) with a fuel reserve at the normal takeoff gross weight. The aircraft has a maximum cruising speed in excess of 150 knots.

The H/S-92 is the first helicopter designed to the harmonised FAR/JAR Part 29 requirements; it also incorporates the survivability, crashworthiness and maintainability features of the UH-60/SH-60 family of aircraft. For example, the H-92 fuel system and dynamic components are designed to meet the UH-60 ballistic tolerance requirements and all gearboxes are capable of running 30 minutes after loss of oil. System redundancy is the same as the UH-60/SH-60, and corrosion protection meets or exceeds current maritime standards.

The Sikorsky H-92 is competing for the Nordic Standard Helicopter Programme (NSHP) requirement for Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway with a 22-troop seat capacity. It is a finalist in the competition to fulfil Portugal's SAR and fisheries patrol roles, as well as the Royal Air Force of Oman's preferred option for troop lift and SAR requirements. Elsewhere, the helicopter is being offered to meet an Irish Air Corps SAR requirement, and to Canada as a replacement for its Sea King helicopters.

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