Sikorsky to begin S-92A+ helicopter production

Helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky has announced plans to begin production of the first production batch of S-92A+ helicopters.

Sikorsky stated that the S-92+ would serve as the model for all future S-92 production, with “all production aircraft” being standardized around it.

The S-92A+ features a Phase IV main gearbox, which has a minimum operating life cycle of 6,000-plus flight hours, as well as increased shaft horsepower, courtesy of its GE CT7-8A6 engines.

The helicopter also features an additional 1,200lb of payload or fuel capacity, and better exterior sling-load capabilities.

The rotorcraft, the latest variant of the company’s S-92 heavy-lift helicopter type, will be manufactured at its bases in Stratford and Owego, in the US state of New York.

The company said that it currently had capacity to produce up to 12 S-92A+ aircraft annually, and that the helicopters would be designed to “meet rising global demand for head of state, personnel or cargo transport, offshore energy, firefighting, and military operations”.

S-92A+ capabilities will also be available as a kit to retrofit existing S-92A aircraft.

Sikorsky has also been working with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to develop the potential of autonomous aerial firefighting technologies.