Paul Lewis/SINGAPORE
SIKORSKY IS TO join with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) of Japan to launch the long awaited S-92 medium-lift helicopter. A formal announcement is expected at the Paris air show.
The S-92 is based on the smaller Sikorsky S-70. It will feature a redesigned main rotor and cabin. Two versions of the S-92 will be offered - a 22-seat military transport and a 19-seat civil helicopter.
Design specifications call for the basic helicopter to have an empty weight of 6,720kg and a maximum take-off weight with a full internal load of 10,900kg. The military variant will have a maximum weight of up to 12,000kg with external fuel tanks. It will also be able to carry an external underslung load of up to 4,540kg.
The civil helicopter, is expected to be powered by two growth versions, of the General Electric CT7-6 turbo-shaft or in its military form, twin T700s and so maintaining a degree of engine commonality, with the S-70 family.
The estimated maximum range for the civil S-92 will be up to 945km (510nm), and nearly 890km for the heavier military version. It will have a maximum speed of 155kt (290km/h) and, for optimum range performance, 140kt.
The S-92 was unveiled in 1992, but has been on hold awaiting a recovery in the helicopter market. Sikorsky president Eugene Buckley announced in February 1994 at the Asian Aerospace show that the programme was undergoing a risk-reduction study and foreign partners were being sought.
MHI's stake and role in the programme are not yet known. The Japanese company, however, has been conducting joint marketing studies with Sikorsky into the S-92's civil and military sales applications. MHI already builds the Sikorsky SH-60J Sea Hawk and UH-60J Blackhawk under licence for Japan's self-defence forces.
The helicopter is seen as a potential replacement for the Boeing KV-107, built under licence by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The S-92 has also been promoted as a successor to the Sikorsky S-61N for commercial offshore operations.
Source: Flight International
