Wed, Aug 01, 2007
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.
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