Modifications needed to meet requirements for series of international competitions
Sikorsky has unveiled the H-92 Superhawk military variant of the S-92 civil transport helicopter and concluded a deal with General Electric to develop the more powerful CT7-8C for the machine as it prepares to again compete against the AgustaWestland EH101 in a series of critical US and international military competitions.
The principal difference between the H-92 and its civil sister will be the installation of twin uprated 3,070shp (2,300kW) CT7-8C turboshafts, offering a 25% power increase over the CT7-8A. GE, under its new agreement with Sikorsky, will make the first engine available for flight testing in 2006 to meet a targeted certification date the following year. The CT7-8C will have more than 80% commonality with the existing engine, but feature new materials and a three-stage power turbine (Flight International, 20-26 May).
Sikorsky plans to fit the H-92 with a self-protection suite including infrared suppression and chaff/flare dispenser and to improve aircraft survivability with self-sealing fuel tanks and armour protection. The H-92 will also feature a military databus as part of an upgraded militarised avionics package.
Engine certification is critical if the proposed VH-92 version is to meet the US Marine Corps' in-service date of 2007-8 for a new presidential transport. AgustaWestland, teamed with Bell and Lockheed Martin, is making a similar pitch with the locally produced US101 and expects to compete with the H-92 for a much larger order for a combat search-and-rescue (SAR) helicopter to replace Sikorsky MH-60 Pave Hawks.
The H-92 is also competing against the EH101, along with the NH Industries NH90, for Canada's Maritime Helicopter Project and planned order for 28 machines to replaceageing Sikorsky CH-124A/B Sea Kings. The same three types are vying to replace 10 Norwegian Westland-built SAR Sea Kings.
Source: Flight International
