Over the years the empty and maximum gross weights of S-92 have grown. The military version of the S-92 began as a 13,087 pound machine with a MGW of 23,500. The premise was that H-60 commonality would be retained. Over the years the military variant of the S-92 has grown progressively heavier. Military variants have gross weights approaching or exceeding 30,000 lbs. This increased weight capability has been accomplished by only minimally growing the main rotor diameter from 53.7 ft to 56.4 ft and by increasing the operating rotor speed 5%. These changes provide for marginal performance improvements while leaving little room for future performance growth.
Noise signiture and rotor induced vibrations may also be direct results of pushing the existing rotor system a little too hard. A larger rotor with an additional rotor blade or blades has been an ongoing discussion point.