Sikorsky Aircraft is preparing the first production batch of S-92A+ helicopters as the manufacturer standardises its heavy lift platform around the upgraded configuration.

The aircraft will be manufactured across Sikorsky facilities in Stratford and Owego, New York, supporting a newly secured head-of-state transport order as well as anticipated demand from offshore energy and government operators.

“The S-92A+ helicopter is another example of how we are modernizing the fleet and transforming for the future, and we are building in surge capacity to meet expected demand,” says Rich Benton, vice president and general manager at Sikorsky. “The S-92 remains the aircraft of choice for Heads of State, offshore energy and search and rescue operators who want the highest available flight-time helicopter to perform long-range missions in any weather condition.”

A fourteenth country has recently ordered two helicopters for head-of-state transport. Sikorsky will assemble those aircraft together with three additional S-92A+ helicopters in the initial production group. The manufacturer says its facilities have capacity to produce up to 12 aircraft annually.

Component manufacturing will be centred at Sikorsky’s Stratford headquarters where technicians produce key dynamic systems including the main gearbox, rotor blades and drivetrains. Final aircraft assembly will take place in Owego which previously delivered 23 presidential helicopters derived from the S-92 platform.

All new aircraft will feature the Phase IV main gearbox together with upgraded engines. The Phase IV gearbox is nearing completion of endurance testing and is designed for more than 6,000 flight hours between overhauls. The system also incorporates auxiliary lubrication allowing safe continued flight following loss of primary oil pressure.

Increased shaft horsepower from the GE CT7-8A6 engines improves performance in hot and high conditions. Combined with airframe strengthening, the upgrades raise maximum gross weight to 27,700 pounds and add around 1,200 pounds of payload or fuel capacity while also increasing sling-load capability.