AAR receives FAA approval of new composite interior for Sikorsky S-92 helicopters

AAR has received FAA certification of its new and improved Off Shore Airliner (OSA) interior design for Sikorsky's S-92® fleet of offshore utility aircraft. In addition to the composite interiors for the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter program, AAR also provides precision machining services for several hundred aircraft. AAR made the announcement from the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention in Orlando.

AAR's Technology Products team designed, tooled, manufactured and qualified the interior at the Company's Composites facility in Clearwater and the new design received ODA (Organization Designation Authorization) Type Certificate approval of the commercial offshore/airliner interior.

AAR successfully delivered its first aircraft interior earlier this year. The interior design has a cleaner appearance with updated passenger provisions, improved maintenance access, lower interior cabin noise and low weight LED lighting upgrades. Mechanical installation details have been enhanced to significantly reduce installation time and eliminate the need for rigging for fit and finish.

AAR signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. in 2010 to work together to identify opportunities to expand their business relationship. The S-92 composites agreement represents a significant achievement in AAR's manufacturing strategy to become a Tier 1 supplier of interior and exterior composite assemblies for major aerospace programs. The S-92 helicopter is preferred by many customers for critical missions, capable of handling the most demanding environments and conditions.

"As we build on our reputation as an industry leader in the supply of aerostructures for fixed-wing aircraft, to become a new supplier for an OEM of rotorcraft demonstrates the breadth of our engineering and manufacturing capabilities," said Tim Dumbauld, Vice President and General Manager for AAR's precision machining and composites fabrication businesses. "We're pleased to partner with Sikorsky and support all of its deliveries of S-92 aircraft."