29 April 2020: Sikorsky and VIH Aviation Group have signed an agreement for four S-92A upgrade kits. With this agreement Canada's VIH Aviation Group and its operating company Cougar Helicopters Inc. have becomes Sikorsky's First S-92A Kit Launch Customer.
What does the S-92A upgrade kit include?
- S-92A upgrade kits feature the revolutionary Phase IV Main Gear Box.
- It is validated to exceed CFR 29.927(c) requirements as demonstrated in full-scale testing.
- In the event of a loss of primary lubrication system oil pressure, the gear box has demonstrated the ability to provide return to base capability for a range of more than 400 nautical miles.
- It also includes an increase to 27,700 lb. Max Gross Weight with LifePlus improving component retirement times
"The S-92A and S-92B programs demonstrate Lockheed Martin's commitment to the commercial business and to our customers," said Sikorsky Commercial Systems and Services vice president Audrey Brady. "This program will enhance safety and lower operating costs, and we are honoured to work with VIH as our launch customer for this program."
"VIH Aviation Group Ltd. is pleased to be the lead customer for the Sikorsky S-92A kit," said Ken Norie, president and owner of VIH Aviation Group Ltd. "This kit will improve our S-92 fleet's performance and capacity and enables VIHAG companies to continue providing our customers industry-leading, all-weather and deep-water offshore SAR, medevac and passenger transportation."
The S-92A upgrade kit and new production S-92B aircraft will share new technologies while providing enhanced reliability and improving economics to fleet operators. Sikorsky anticipates the S-92A kit will be delivered by 2023 and the S-92B helicopter in 2025.