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).