Sikorsky S-92:

The Sikorsky S-92 is a four-bladed twin-engine medium-lift helicopter built by Sikorsky Aircraft for the civil and military helicopter market. The S-92 is developed from the Sikorsky S-70 helicopter and shares common parts with the S-70, such as the tail rotor assembly. The H-92 Superhawk is a military version of the S-92 in the utility transport role, capable of carrying 22 troops. The H-92 can also be configured for specific missions, including Search and Rescue and executive transportation. The Canadian Forces selected the H-92 as the winner of the Maritime Helicopter Programme (MHP) in 2004, to replace their aging fleet of CH-124 Sea Kings. The Canadian Forces have designated the H-92 as the CH-148 Cyclone.

Development

Sikorsky first displayed a S-92 mockup of the planned helicopter in 1992. The S-92 was to be offered for sale beginning in 1993, but due to a decline in the international market for helicopters was delayed. In 1995 Sikorsky formed Team S-92 with international partners and launched the helicopter program at the Pairs Airshow that year.^[1] The S-92 took its maiden flight on December 23, 1998^[1] at the Sikorsky Development Flight Centre, West Palm Beach, Florida.

In July 2000, Sikorsky announced design changes to the S-92. The fuselage of prototype #3 was lengthened by 16 in (40 mm) aft of the cockpit, the tail pylon was shortened by 41 in (1.04 m), and the horizontal stabilizer was repositioned from the left side opposite the tail rotor to the right side at the base of the tail pylon. The modifications to the tail solved a pitch stability issue discovered during flight testing, and were reported to allow the aircraft to meet a key requirement of the Nordic Standard Helicopter Program (NSHP) for shipboard stowage. The lengthening of the fuselage and shortening of the tail pylon shifted the aircraft center of gravity (CG) forward, permitting a more level attitude in flight. The longer fuselage allowed for an additional row of three seats, as well as a larger passenger door option for Search and Rescue (SAR) customers. Sikorsky incorporated the changes into the following two prototypes as the production standard configuration.^[2] Some reports suggested that the modifications were actually to resolve damage from structural design flaws.^[3]

Operational history

FAA FAR part 29 certification was received in December 2002. European Aviation Safety Agency/Joint Aviation Authorities (EASA/JAA) certification was received in June 2004. The first S-92 was delivered to launch customer Petroleum Helicopters in September 2004. The S-92 entered commercial revenue service with CHC Denmark on 3 July 2007.^[4]

Design

The civil S-92 has a metal and composite airframe. The four-bladed fully articulated composite main rotor blade is wider and has a longer radius than the S-70 Blackhawk. The tapered blade tip sweeps back and angles downward to reduce noise and increase lift. Tethered hover flight has recorded 31,000 lb of lift generated, both in and out of ground effect.

A number of safety features such as flaw tolerance, bird strike capability, and engine burst containment have been incorporated into the design. Adherence to FAA FAR part 29 has led the FAA certification board to call the S-92 the "safest helicopter in the world".^[5] An active vibration system using structurally mounted force generators ensures comfortable flight and acoustic levels which are well below certification requirements. These systems also prolong the life of the airframe by reducing fatigue loads on the aircraft.

Variants

S-92

The S-92 is the civilian variant and is available in a number of versions. The civil transport version has an airliner-type interior which comfortably seats 19 passengers in a 20ft long, 6 ft high and 6 ft 7 in wide standup cabin. The utility transport version has 22 side-facing seats in a large, stand-up cabin with a full cabin width rear ramp. The 733 ft³ interior cabin area can also be configured to accommodate up to three airline-style LD3 cargo containers. Additional stowage space is available in the 140 ft³ area located in the aft ramp compartment.

H-92 Superhawk

The H-92 Superhawk is the military variant which has been demonstrated to the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. The H-92 has more powerful GE CT7-8C engines, rated at 3,070shp (2,300 kW). The search and rescue variant provides space for seats, litters, auxiliary fuel and SAR emergency equipment.

In July 2004, the H-92 Superhawk was selected by Canada for its Maritime Helicopter Programme (MHP) as the CH-148 Cyclone. Twenty-eight helicopters were ordered, with the first scheduled to enter service by January 9, 2009,^[6] which was originally scheduled for November 2008.^[7]

A SAR H-92 variant is Sikorsky's entrant in the CSAR-X combat search and rescue contract for the USAF. The competitors include the AgustaWestland EH101 and Boeing HH-47.

Operators

Government operators

Civil operators

Incidents and accidents

On July 19, 2008, an S-92 helicopter carrying Rev. Sun Myung Moon crashed in South Korea.^[9] There were 16 people aboard and 14 were slightly injured in the crash.^[10]^[11]

Specifications (S-92)

Sikorsky S-92

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