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wrench1
7th Mar 2019, 12:49
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2019-03-05/sikorsky-unveils-new-s-92-variants

SASless
7th Mar 2019, 13:44
The new gearbox also has a redesigned lubrication system. In FAA-witnessed testing of the new gearbox for loss of primary lubrication, the gearbox was operated for 500 nm at 80 knots and had no noted anomalies after tear down.


Is that very careful wording or just a Reporter's paraphrasing?

Run dry or loss of oil pump(s) leaving only splash lube?

We know what happens when the original gearbox loses all of its contents and is flown in violation of the Check List.

PPI Zulu
7th Mar 2019, 16:06
The S92A had recently undergone a modification where the MBG 'Last Jet' pressure switch has been given it's own power supply to prevent un-warranted engagement of the MGB oil cooler bypass valve in certain default conditions.
This involves a new (8-gang) circuit breaker panel being fitted in the bottom right hand corner of the overhead panel. Only one CB is present out of the eight (Main XMSN Press Switch). However, whilst six CB slots are without legend two have legends; the occupied CB slot of the new MGB 'Last Jet' pressure switch power supply and...'Aux Lube Control'.

Preparation for a new electrically powered aux lube system possibly?

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/697x327/001_132ea92a180759923a06853d9cd44c63c03218f9.png

Fareastdriver
7th Mar 2019, 18:06
I would have thought that is about time the S92 had a five-bladed rotor; if nothing else it will reduce the vibration level.

PPI Zulu
7th Mar 2019, 19:03
I would have thought that is about time the S92 had a five-bladed rotor; if nothing else it will reduce the vibration level.
Apparently there's one of those too. Combine that with extended AUM and mooted new CTxxx engines.

CyclicRick
7th Mar 2019, 19:59
A decent autopilot and a new PFD wouldn’t go amiss either!

PPI Zulu
8th Mar 2019, 05:50
https://www.helis.com/database/news/s-92b-presentation/

Seek an ye shall find...

PPI Zulu
8th Mar 2019, 06:13
Sikorsky Unveils S-92A+ and S-92B
The new S-92B (and old aircraft upgraded as S-92A+) has been enhanced for offshore and SAR operations with new engines, gearboxes, enlarged cabin windows, MATRIX technology and Rig Approach 2.0
​https://www.helis.com/database/pics/news/2019/s-92b-presentation.jpgSikorsky Unveils S-92A+ and S-92B

Lockheed Martin, March 07, 2019 - ATLANTA - Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, today announced new plans for its S-92® helicopter line that will re-designate fielded helicopters as the S-92A+ after modification, and newly produced aircraft as the S-92B.

The two variants will share a nearly identical configuration, with S-92B helicopters also featuring enlarged cabin windows and plans for a common cabin door suitable for offshore and SAR configurations.

The announcement came at the 2019 Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo show.

The S-92 helicopter boasts a best-in-class safety record and sets the industry standard for reliability. These changes to the venerable S-92 helicopter will introduce new technology that is focused on reliability and operating cost reduction, while at the same time delivering increased capability. Changes will increase commonality of the aircraft between the offshore, SAR, and utility configurations and allow for speedier reconfiguration between roles, making it an even better choice for operators that want a diverse aircraft capable of multiple missions. Sikorsky expects to launch an hourly aftermarket support program, reflecting a targeted economic improvement of the S-92A+ and S-92B, that will be available concurrent with deliveries.

Sikorsky's S-92 helicopter fleet update will include the introduction of phase one MATRIX technology that will bring advanced computing power to the platform. This foundation enables adoption of autonomous landing technology such as Rig Approach 2.0 and a new technology from Sikorsky's Innovations lab called SuperSearch that uses advanced algorithms to locate objects up to 30 percent faster. Both aircraft will include SAR AFCS and a newly designed interior that is lighter and common to both SAR and OSO missions.

Notably, both configurations will include the Phase IV main gearbox. This gearbox has been validated to exceed the requirements of CFR 29.927(c) as demonstrated by full-scale testing witnessed by the FAA. All of the primary lubrication system oil was removed prior to operating the gearbox for the equivalent of over 500 nautical miles of flight at an airspeed of 80 knots. No discernable anomalies were identified during the post-test examination.

General Electric's CT7-8A6 engine, capable of producing more power in higher altitudes and hotter temperatures, also will be available as an option for both the S-92A+ and S-92B products.

Sikorsky has significantly invested to bring these capabilities into production, but will let market interest determine the pace of remaining internal research and development spending. Current plans have initial availability set for 2022 and have an S-92B helicopter price target below historical S-92 prices. The S-92A+ kit is being designed to allow common fleet benefit at an economical targeted price.

"Our S-92 aircraft has set the standard for modern helicopters, and we're excited with these changes that will ensure it remains so," said Audrey Brady, Sikorsky Vice President, Commercial Systems & Services. "Reliability means safety. Reliability means economics. With these updates and an unmatched cabin size and capacity, our customers will see an economic benefit demonstrating that the S-92 is the best choice in helicopter missions near or far."

"We think safety is a good investment, and so we welcome Sikorsky's investment in this significant new technology, which will drive greater reliability, resilience and operational capability," said Gretchen Haskins, CEO of HeliOffshore.

Since 2004, Sikorsky has delivered more than 300 production S-92 helicopters. The industry standard for safety and reliability, the S-92 helicopter is the preferred aircraft of its size class for offshore oil worker transportation. In 2018, the fleet flew 175,000 hours, a record for the fleet, contributing to a total of nearly 1.5 million hours flown.

About Lockheed Martin: Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.https://www.helis.com/database/pics/news/2019/s-92b-presentation_pie.jpg

This article is listed in :
Sikorsky S-92B (https://www.helis.com/database/model/S-92B/)

Jimmy.
15th Feb 2020, 01:56
https://www-ainonline-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/gene

"The new gearbox fits into the existing space for the legacy component and provides for increased time between overhaul interval of up to 25 percent. The extra weight of the new gearbox is offset with weight savings elsewhere on the aircraft. Sikorsky has both ground tested and flight tested the new gearbox.

During ground testing, the gearbox ran for more than seven hours and the test was halted only when the engineers got to the time when the helicopter would have run out of a full load of fuel. The new “Phase IV” gearbox was also flown for more than 200 flight hours and also later torn down and inspected in the presence of the FAA.

Notably, the design uses a supplemental fuel pump and additional oil lines to reuse main gearbox oil that is accumulated in a lower sump in the event of primary lubrication failure. While some other OEMs have developed “run dry” gearboxes that can function for between 30 and 50 minutes without primary lubrication, Sikorsky found this of dubious value given the offshore distances some of its customers must fly.

When secondary lubrication kicks in, the event generates a “technical indicator” back to Sikorsky to facilitate troubleshooting once the impacted helicopter lands or returns to base. Brady said customers greeted the new gearbox enthusiastically and want it “as soon as possible.”

The new gearbox can be fitted to existing helicopters as part of the current 1,500-hour inspection, she said, and is just one of several menu items that can be selected for the A+ upgrade. Other options under the upgrade include an increased gross weight kit to 27,700 pounds and an uprated engine, the GE CT7-8A6, that offers better payload capability and high and hot performance. The new engine, which was certified in June, allows customers to operate with both full seats and full fuel under most conditions."

15th Feb 2020, 12:32
So it has taken how many years to add to the S-92 an equivalent of the Emergency Lubrication System (ELS) that was on our old SAR Sea Kings for a long time?

Jimmy.
15th Feb 2020, 14:54
The Sea King's ELS uses oil from the transmission like this on the 92 or other lubricant, like the 225?

212man
15th Feb 2020, 15:00
Notably, the design uses a supplemental fuel pump and additional oil lines

a typo I assume!

15th Feb 2020, 16:51
The Sea King's ELS uses oil from the transmission like this on the 92 or other lubricant, like the 225?
It uses oil from the sump below the level of the pump.

Jimmy.
15th Feb 2020, 17:35
It uses oil from the sump below the level of the pump.

So it's a welcomed old/new feature. Probably will lubricate for more than the dubious value of 30 to 50 minutes, according to Sikorsky.
My only concern then will be the rise of MGB oil temperature when the bypass is activated, reaching the temperature limit in just a few minutes.

industry insider
15th Feb 2020, 23:17
The Sea King's ELS uses oil from the transmission like this on the 92 or other lubricant, like the 225?

Didn't the 225 use a glycol system?

Jimmy.
15th Feb 2020, 23:43
Didn't the 225 use a glycol system?
I don't know the 225 very well, but if the glycol isn't the lubricant on the main system, what I've understood from other thread, that was my question.

Autonomous Collectiv
16th Feb 2020, 05:41
The 225 glycol system was purely used as a coolant in the event of loss of lubricant, it was supposed to cool to understandably overheating gears in the transmission. Any lubrication from the glycol was I believe a welcome side effect

Apate
16th Feb 2020, 08:33
As stated above, the EC225 glycol was primarily a coolant although no doubt provided some lubrication. It was stored in a tank then released into the MGB when loss of oil was sensed.

One drawback, whilst compliant with the regulations, was that it only gave you 30 mins flying time at Vy, then it was Land Immediately.

The S-61/Sea King idea ported across to the S-92, using an "emergency sump and pump", will likely not be limited to 30 mins. The new MGB doesn't just contain this new arrangement, it also contains gears made from different materials that are more heat tolerant and durable.

FC80
16th Feb 2020, 14:51
All sounds nice to have from a flying POV but are operators going to splash the cash on it?

Unfortunately the flying tank that is the 92 seems to be getting increasingly squeezed by ‘super’ :suspect: mediums like the 189 when people talk about the future. Money talks!

Apate
16th Feb 2020, 18:31
All sounds nice to have from a flying POV but are operators going to splash the cash on it?

Unfortunately the flying tank that is the 92 seems to be getting increasingly squeezed by ‘super’ :suspect: mediums like the 189 when people talk about the future. Money talks!

Maybe the "talk" says so, but the reality doesn't seem to support that. CHC's sole UK registered AW189 has no work and there is talk it will be mothballed. 175 numbers are growing slowly in Aberdeen, but that is mainly to cover for dreadful availability. Super mediums have basically not had that great an impact in the Northern N Sea, especially in Norway.

Unless you can prove otherwise :cool:

PlasticCabDriver
16th Feb 2020, 18:47
Maybe the "talk" says so, but the reality doesn't seem to support that. CHC's sole UK registered AW189 has no work and there is talk it will be mothballed. 175 numbers are growing slowly in Aberdeen, but that is mainly to cover for dreadful availability. Super mediums have basically not had that great an impact in the Northern N Sea, especially in Norway.

Unless you can prove otherwise :cool:

Prove maybe not but we hear the 189 out and about to the Forties a lot. The background noise over the R/T is unmistakeable.

Jimmy.
16th Feb 2020, 20:17
The S-61/Sea King idea ported across to the S-92, using an "emergency sump and pump", will likely not be limited to 30 mins. The new MGB doesn't just contain this new arrangement, it also contains gears made from different materials that are more heat tolerant and durable.
As I wrote before, the new nearbox is welcomed but, by the manufacturer words, doesn't solve all gearbox weaknessess. When the MGB bypass valve closed in a S-92A in Norway recently, with no oil loss, the transmission took 28 minutes to reach 152°C at landing. On the simulator, when a leak is contained and the bypass valve closes, the temperature rises even faster.

Apate
17th Feb 2020, 09:04
Prove maybe not but we hear the 189 out and about to the Forties a lot. The background noise over the R/T is unmistakeable.

Yup, I'll give you that one. There is a single AW189 on contract in Aberdeen, which mainly plies it's trade to and from the Forties with Bristow. Six years since certification and only one machine in regular use in the Northern N Sea, it's hardly the revolution that was being "talked" about. By contrast there's about a 80 active O&G S92s between the UK and Norway.

Autonomous Collectiv
17th Feb 2020, 09:57
Yup, I'll give you that one. There is a single AW189 on contract in Aberdeen, which mainly plies it's trade to and from the Forties with Bristow. Six years since certification and only one machine in regular use in the Northern N Sea, it's hardly the revolution that was being "talked" about. By contrast there's about a 80 active O&G S92s between the UK and Norway.

Isn't that as much a side effect of the contracting market and the full utilisation of the 92 fleet globally as opposed to new capital being spent on aircraft acquisitions? Just my observation and an ex-offhsore pilot watching in from the sideline

Apate
18th Feb 2020, 07:55
Isn't that as much a side effect of the contracting market and the full utilisation of the 92 fleet globally as opposed to new capital being spent on aircraft acquisitions? Just my observation and an ex-offhsore pilot watching in from the sideline

Maybe, but the current market seems dominated by leasing deals. An aircraft comes off contract, it is handed back. This process should enable new types to enter the market much easier than perhaps was historically the case.

It's possible the AW189 economics are not that compelling, especially when the distances offshore increase and fuel for more distant alternates have to be carried?

No doubt the emergence of the 175/189 will force Sikorsky to sharpen their pencil.