S-92 Boasts Double-Digit Orders
Sikorsky was bragging a bunch as HAI's Heli-Expo wrapped up this
week. Sikorsky Aircraft has sold more than 20 S-92 aircraft worth
in excess of $340 million, which the company says makes this the
most successful new commercial product launch in the company's
history. In addition to the confirmed sales, Sikorsky also has 17
options and four deposit agreements for the S-92.
Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. (PHI) was presented keys to the
first production S-92 in a public ceremony at Heli-Expo today. The
delivery marks the first of two S-92 aircraft slated to enter
service with PHI in 2004 to support deepwater drilling and
production activity in the Gulf of Mexico. "The S-92 represents the
latest technology in terms of design and safety," said Lance
Bospflug, PHI President and CEO.
Other customers include
such respected offshore operators as Norsk Helikopter of Norway and
Canada's CHC Helicopter Corporation, and several VIP customers,
attesting to the aircraft's versatility and confidence in
Sikorsky.
"The S-92 has had great success in penetrating the offshore oil
industry," said Jeff Pino, Senior Vice President-Marketing and
Commercial Programs. "We're also extremely pleased with the
interest we're seeing in both the airline and VIP transport
communities. The S-92 has quickly established itself as the premier
helicopter in its class."
Evolved from the proven S-70 BLACK HAWK and SEAHAWK aircraft,
the S-92 incorporates more than 50 years of Sikorsky civil and
multi-mission helicopter experience. The aircraft is available in a
variety of configurations for commercial customers, including
offshore oil, VIP transport, airline operations and other
missions.
Combining the latest in airworthiness technology with levels of
performance and productivity that are Sikorsky hallmarks, the
Sikorsky S-92 represents a major addition to the medium-lift
utility helicopter market in a unique package of features that
provide state-of-the-art protection to passengers and crew.
Certified to the latest and most rigorous Federal Aviation
Administration safety standards, the Sikorsky S-92 has been
designated "the safest helicopter in the world" by the FAA.
Five prototype aircraft have achieved 2,480 flight hours to
date, and two of the aircraft have been designated for special
missions. Aircraft #4 has been turned into the VH-92 demonstrator,
representing the type of aircraft the company is presenting for the
U.S. Presidential helicopter bid. Aircraft #3 is making tremendous
progress on rigorous icing tests in Marquette, Michigan. The
aircraft will move into natural icing tests later this month once
the tanker icing missions are complete. Aircraft #5 has returned to
its base in West Palm Beach, Fla., where it is undergoing flotation
testing and altitude flying.