| S-92 / H-92 | |
|---|---|
 |
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| A CHC Helikopter Service S-92 | |
| Role | Medium-lift transport/utility helicopter |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Sikorsky Aircraft Sikorsky Global Helicopters |
| First flight | December 23, 1998 |
| Introduced | 2004 |
| Primary users | CHC Helicopter Bristow Helicopters PHI Inc Cougar Helicopters |
| Produced | 1998-present |
| Unit cost | US$15.3 million |
| Developed from | Sikorsky S-70 |
| Variants | CH-148 Cyclone |
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 was 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 CH-148 Cyclone is a shipboard maritime helicopter variant currently under development for the Canadian Forces. From February 2009, the S-92 program was placed under Sikorsky Global Helicopters, Sikorsky's new civil helicopter business unit.
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Development
Sikorsky Aircraft 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, this was delayed. In 1995 Sikorsky formed Team S-92 with international partners and launched the helicopter program at the Paris Airshow that year.[1] Sikorsky developed the S-92 to compete with civil aircraft such as the Aerospatiale/Eurocopter Super Puma.[2] The helicopter uses a new airframe with dynamic components based on the S-70/H-60 components. The S-92 took its maiden flight on December 23, 1998 at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center, West Palm Beach, Florida.[3][2]
In July 2000, Sikorsky announced design changes to the S-92. The fuselage of prototype #3 was lengthened by 16 in (40 cm) 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.[4] Some reports suggested that the modifications were actually to resolve damage from structural design flaws.[5]
The S-92 is built and customized in Sikorsky's Coatesville, Pennsylvania facility. The S-92 received FAA type certification on December 19, 2002,[6] and received International EASA/JAA certification on June 8, 2004.[7] In June 2009, Sikorsky Aircraft entered into a joint-venture with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) for S-92 manufacturing in India for export and domestic markets. A US$ 200 million manufacturing plant will be operational in Hyderabad by 2010. Initially, TASL will supply the complete cabins for the S-92 to Sikorsky.[8][9]
Design
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The S-92 is a twin turbine engined utility helicopter with aluminum airframe with some composite components. 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.
The S-92 also features an active vibration control system with vibration sensors and structurally mounted force generators. The system provides for comfortable flight and acoustic levels below certification requirements.[10] This system also prolong airframe life by reducing fatigue loads on the aircraft.
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".[11] The S-92 reportedly met the FAR part 29 "run dry" requirement by asserting the loss of oil pressure in the main gear box is "extremely remote".[12]
Operational history
FAA FAR part 29 certification was received in December 2002.[6] European Aviation Safety Agency/Joint Aviation Authorities (EASA/JAA) certification was received in June 2004.[7] The first S-92 was delivered to launch customer Petroleum Helicopters in September 2004.
Competitions
Sikorsky entered a Search and rescue variant of the H-92 in USAF CSAR-X combat search and rescue competition beginning in 2006. Its competitors are the AgustaWestland EH101 and Boeing HH-47.
The S-92 is a candidate for the Norwegian All Weather Search and Rescue Helicopter (NAWSARH) that is planned to replace the Westland Sea King Mk.43B of the Royal Norwegian Air Force in 2015.[13] The other candidates for the NAWSARH contract of 10-12 helicopters are AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin, Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, Eurocopter EC225, and NHIndustries NH-90.[14]
The S-92 is also competing with Eurocopter EC225 to become the future UK Search and Rescue - Helicopter (SAR-H Programme)[15]
Variants
S-92A
The S-92A is the civilian variant and is available in a number of versions. The civil transport version has an airliner-type interior which seats 19 passengers. The utility transport version has 22 side-facing seats 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) and, unlike the S-92, has fly-by-wire flight controls. 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 in November 2004.[16] The program has been delayed and the aircraft deliveries are expected to begin in November 2010.[17][18]
Operators
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Government operators
- Emir of Kuwait operates 2 helicopters.
- Government of Qatar operates 2 helicopters.
- Government of the Republic of Korea operates 3 helicopters.[19] Introduced into service in November 2007.
- Ministry of Interior (Saudi Arabia) ordered 16 helicopters at Dubai Airshow November 2007 & some examples have already been delivered, some aircraft are armed with machine guns to support anti-terror operations.
- Government of Turkey operates 1 helicopter.
- Government of Turkmenistan operates 2 helicopters.
- Her Majesty's Coastguard operates 4 helicopters leased from CHC Helicopter
- 3 ordered for Thai Government
Civil operators
- Brunei Shell Petroleum – 3
- Líder Aviação – 1
- CHC Helicopter – 12
- Cougar Helicopters – 3
- Eastern General Aviation – 1
- Copterline of Finland – 1
- Gulf Helicopters – 2
- Bristow Helicopters 19 with seven on order.
- RDV Corporation – 1
- Blackwater Worldwide
- PHI inc [20] – 11
- Washington Times Aviation – 1
Notable accidents and incidents
On July 19, 2008, an S-92 helicopter carrying Rev. Sun Myung Moon crashed in South Korea.[21] The helicopter was flying in inclement weather which forced it down on a hillside. The 16 people aboard were slightly injured in the crash.[22][23]
On March 12, 2009, Cougar Helicopters Flight 91, an S-92A operated by Cougar Helicopters carrying 18 passengers and crew en route to oil platforms off the coast of Newfoundland, crashed and sank in 170 meters (560 ft) of water.[24] One person was rescued from the North Atlantic and the others did not survive.[25]
On October 23, 2009 the European Aviation Safety Agency issued an airworthiness directive in response to the discovery of cracks in the mounting bolts of the main gearbox of S-92 helicopters operating in the North Sea.[26]
Specifications (S-92)
Data from Sikorsky S-92 specifications,[27] International Directory of Civil Aircraft[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: 3 (pilot, co-pilot, observer)
- Capacity: 19 passengers
- Length: 56 ft 2 in (17.10 m)
- Rotor diameter: 56 ft 4 in (17.17 m)
- Height: 15 ft 5 in (4.71 m)
- Disc area: 2,650 ft² (246 m²)
- Empty weight: 15,500 lb (7,030 kg)
- Loaded weight: 26,500 lb (12,020 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 26,500 lb (12,020 kg)
- Powerplant: 2× General Electric CT7-8A turboshaft, 2,740 shp (2,043 kW) each
- Fuselage length: 56 ft 2 in (17.1 m)
- Fuselage width: 17 ft 3 in (5.26 m)
- Rotor systems: 4 blades on main rotor
Performance
- Maximum speed: 165 knots (190 mph, 306 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 151 kt, 174 mph (280 km/h)
- Range: 539 nmi (999 km)
- Service ceiling: 14,000 ft (4,270 m)
- Disc loading: 9.8 lb/ft² (48 kg/m²)
- Power/mass: 0.23 hp/lb (0.38 W/kg)
See also
Related development
Comparable aircraft
Related lists
References
Notes
- ^ a b Frawley, Gerald. "Sikorsky S-92 Helibus". The International Directory of Civil Aircraft, 2003/2004. Aerospace Publications, 2003. ISBN 1-875671-58-7.
- ^ a b Donald, David, ed. "Sikorsky S-92". The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. Barnes & Nobel Books, 1997. ISBN 0-7607-0592-5.
- ^ Frawley, Gerald. "Sikorsky S-92". The International Directory of Military Aircraft, 2002/2003. Aerospace Publications, 2002. ISBN 1-875671-55-2.
- ^ Lewis, Jeff. "All aboard the S-92". Flight International. 25-31 July 2000. Accessed on 7 November 2008.
- ^ "Type Focus: Sikorsky S-92". RotorHub. Editor: Jon Lake. Shepard Publishing. October-November 2007. p. 19. Accessed on 8 November 2008. The article suggests that reasons for the design modifications on the S-92 were the result of cracking on the tail pylon and stabilator based on reports from unnamed industry sources.
- ^ a b Searles, Robert A. "A Truly New-Generation Helicopter". Aviaton Week's Sporlight, June 2003.
- ^ a b "Sikorsky S-92 Achieves International Type Certification". Sikorsky, June 8, 2004.
- ^ "Tata-Sikorsky Deal Ends HAL Aerospace Monopoly". Defense News, June 3, 2009
- ^ "Tata Advanced Systems and Sikorsky to Manufacture Helicopter Cabins in India". machinist.in, June 16, 2009.
- ^ North, David M. "S-92 Update and Pilot Report". Aviation Week, September 28, 2003.
- ^ "Superhawk may succeed Nuri". NST Online, December 12, 2007.
- ^ "Doomed helicopter failed vital safety test, files reveal". Globe and Mail online, April 6, 2009.
- ^ "The NAWSARH Project" (in English). Royal Norwegian Ministry of Justice and the Police. http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/jd/kampanjer/helicopters/about-the-project.html. Retrieved 2009-06-06.
- ^ Per Erlien Dalløkken (2009-05-07). "De fem kandidatene" (in Norwegian). Teknisk Ukeblad. http://www.tu.no/motor/article208828.ece. Retrieved 2009-06-06.
- ^ "SAR-H bidders announce helicopter types". Shephard Group. 2009-03-11. http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/2072/sar-h-bidders-announce-helicopter-types/. Retrieved 2009-06-06.
- ^ "Government of Canada Awards Contracts to Sikorsky for New Canadian Forces Maritime Helicopter". Canadian Forces news, November 23, 2004.
- ^ "Sikorsky flies first CH-148 Cyclone"
- ^ Canada's CH-148 Cyclones: Better Late Than Never?. Defense Industry Daily
- ^ Air Forces Monthly, December 2007 issue, p.25.
- ^ [1]
- ^ "Moonies founder 'hurt in crash'". BBC, July 19, 2008.
- ^ "Rev. Moon Hurt in Copter Crash". Newser, 19 July 2008.
- ^ Unification Church founder Sun Myung Moon, 15 others injured in helicopter crash, Herald Tribune, 19 July 2008.
- ^ "No signals from locater beacons on suits worn by oil workers: officials". CBC News. March 12, 2009. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2009/03/12/offshore-helicopter.html. Retrieved March 12, 2009.
- ^ Croft, John. "TSB: Cougar S-92 experienced tail rotor drive failure". Flightglobal.com, 22 June 2009.
- ^ "Emergency Airworthiness Directive # 2009-0230-E". cbc.com, access date: November 2, 2009.
- ^ Sikorsky S-92 Helicopter (Attributes tab). Sikorsky
Bibliography
- Leoni, Ray D. Black Hawk, The Story of a World Class Helicopter, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2007. ISBN 978-1-56347-918-2.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Sikorsky S-92 |
- S-92 page on Sikorsky.com
- H-92 page on Sikorsky.com
- "Bigger Brother" by Peter Grey in Flight 04/02/03
- "Sikorsky sets August date for flight tests of redesigned S-92 Helibus" Flight 02/05/00
- S-92 article on ROTORHUB
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