A quote from 'running in' from the Military forum about SAR, the S92 and AB139.
"I agree that the S92 is a contender for harmonization, but not the current S92A.
In 4 years time a civil S92B will be a spin off from the Canadian Cyclone S92. For a good SAR machine the S92 will need some more power, so the CT7-8C not the current -8A. It will need more payload, the basic S92 is very heavy and so a weight increase above the current 26,500 lb will be needed - so perhaps a new gearbox as well?
The proposed fly by wire version will be nice and improve handling qualities. Also a 5 bladed head to reduce the vibration.
So, the S92B will be a contender but it won't be around for a few years yet.
vecvechookattack
When you hang a hoist (or two), a FLIR & Skyshout off the side..fill up the back with SAR kit, the fast and agile AB 139 will be a bit more sluggish. You can't squeeze a quart into a pint pot!
RI"