Sikorsky S-92: From Design to Operations
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canted tail rotor
Nick,
I think I read a bit ago that if it could be done over again the canted tail rotor would be left out. Is that true? Or was it for the Comanche? Is there a difference using the shrouded blades that really didn't need the canting?
Or Is the real advantage in the larger machines? It seems that some things that work in large machines don't really apply to the smaller ones.
Thanks in advance,
Clayton
I think I read a bit ago that if it could be done over again the canted tail rotor would be left out. Is that true? Or was it for the Comanche? Is there a difference using the shrouded blades that really didn't need the canting?
Or Is the real advantage in the larger machines? It seems that some things that work in large machines don't really apply to the smaller ones.
Thanks in advance,
Clayton
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Sikorsky S-92 Awarded FAA Type Certification
STRATFORD, Conn., Dec. 19, 2002 — Sikorsky’s S-92 helicopter achieved Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification today, with 1,570 test flight hours under the most stringent rotorcraft safety requirements imposed to date.
“Today represents a culmination of almost a decade of work by the best team in the helicopter industry,” said Sikorsky President Dean Borgman. “It’s an extraordinary achievement, marking our first new FAA aircraft certification since we launched the S-76 in November 1978.”
Before it is allowed to transport passengers, each aircraft must comply with U.S. Government standards for strength and safety. The S-92 now meets Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 29 Airline Transport Rotorcraft, Amendment 45, the most rigorous set of laws put forth.
“The Sikorsky team deserves our highest compliments,” said Bob Mann, Manager, Boston Aircraft FAA Certification Office. “They conducted an impressive and safe program.”
“This is like graduating and passing the Bar exam all at once,” said Program Director Nick Lappos. “Our type certification and safety capabilities place us a full generation ahead of other medium helicopters in the marketplace.”
Evolved from the proven S-70 BLACK HAWK and SEAHAWK aircraft, the S-92 incorporates more than 50 years of Sikorsky civil and multi-mission helicopter experience. Originally conceived as a replacement for the venerable S-61, the S-92 is available in a variety of configurations for commercial customers, including offshore oil, VIP transport, airline operations, and other missions. The aircraft continues to generate strong interest, with firm orders spanning various customers and industries across the globe.
Breaking new ground for medium-weight helicopters, the S-92 provides unprecedented levels of safety and reliability. It is the only aircraft in its class certified to the latest specifications for flaw tolerance, bird strike capability and turbine burst protection. In addition to its civil helicopter capabilities, the rotor system and dynamic components are designed to meet the UH-60 BLACK HAWK ballistic tolerance requirements and all gearboxes are capable of running 30 minutes after loss of oil. Corrosion protection meets or exceeds current maritime standards.
In addition to its superior safety features, the S-92 excels in the areas of performance and cost effectiveness. Not only does the S-92 reach speeds of 165 knots and fly more than 500 nautical miles while carrying more payload than current competitors, but operators are also projected to save more than $200 per flight hour in maintenance costs over the Super Puma, and $500 per flight hour over the EH-101.
Sikorsky led an international consortium of companies through the development of the S-92. Global team members include Embraer of Brazil, Gamesa of Spain, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan, Jingdezhen Helicopter Group of the People’s Republic of China, and Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation of Taiwan. Major subcontractors include Hamilton Sundstrand, General Electric and Rockwell Collins. Production on the S-92 is already underway, with major subassemblies under construction in partner facilities, and final assembly commencing in March 2003 in Sikorsky’s new Bridgeport facility.
The S-92 has seen several recent enhancements prior to certification, incorporating both customer-inspired design changes and the Rockwell Collins cockpit. The aircraft now offers additional cabin space and a larger main cabin door, with a 16-inch (41 cm) cabin length extension, as well as reduced tail pylon height and a relocated horizontal stabilizer.
The new Rockwell Collins cockpit affords outstanding visibility and is equipped with a highly integrated avionics package. Rockwell Collins Avionics Management System (AMS) provides the display and management of primary flight data, presentation and management of all navigation information. The system also provides flight management data, a digital map, weather radar, terrain information and engine instrument caution and advisory system processing and display. At the center of the Rockwell Collins AMS are four portrait 6 x 8-inch high-resolution color active matrix liquid crystal Multi-function Displays (MFDs), with a fifth display to be offered as a customer option. The displays are exceptionally sunlight- and cross-cockpit readable, and
are also compatible with night vision goggle operations.
"The Rockwell Collins cockpit incorporates the most advanced avionics technology available today for rotorcraft," said Lappos. "The unique schematic data presentations provide pilots with a visual depiction of the aircraft's condition that is intuitively easy to interpret, a real plus in high workload and emergency situations."
“Today represents a culmination of almost a decade of work by the best team in the helicopter industry,” said Sikorsky President Dean Borgman. “It’s an extraordinary achievement, marking our first new FAA aircraft certification since we launched the S-76 in November 1978.”
Before it is allowed to transport passengers, each aircraft must comply with U.S. Government standards for strength and safety. The S-92 now meets Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 29 Airline Transport Rotorcraft, Amendment 45, the most rigorous set of laws put forth.
“The Sikorsky team deserves our highest compliments,” said Bob Mann, Manager, Boston Aircraft FAA Certification Office. “They conducted an impressive and safe program.”
“This is like graduating and passing the Bar exam all at once,” said Program Director Nick Lappos. “Our type certification and safety capabilities place us a full generation ahead of other medium helicopters in the marketplace.”
Evolved from the proven S-70 BLACK HAWK and SEAHAWK aircraft, the S-92 incorporates more than 50 years of Sikorsky civil and multi-mission helicopter experience. Originally conceived as a replacement for the venerable S-61, the S-92 is available in a variety of configurations for commercial customers, including offshore oil, VIP transport, airline operations, and other missions. The aircraft continues to generate strong interest, with firm orders spanning various customers and industries across the globe.
Breaking new ground for medium-weight helicopters, the S-92 provides unprecedented levels of safety and reliability. It is the only aircraft in its class certified to the latest specifications for flaw tolerance, bird strike capability and turbine burst protection. In addition to its civil helicopter capabilities, the rotor system and dynamic components are designed to meet the UH-60 BLACK HAWK ballistic tolerance requirements and all gearboxes are capable of running 30 minutes after loss of oil. Corrosion protection meets or exceeds current maritime standards.
In addition to its superior safety features, the S-92 excels in the areas of performance and cost effectiveness. Not only does the S-92 reach speeds of 165 knots and fly more than 500 nautical miles while carrying more payload than current competitors, but operators are also projected to save more than $200 per flight hour in maintenance costs over the Super Puma, and $500 per flight hour over the EH-101.
Sikorsky led an international consortium of companies through the development of the S-92. Global team members include Embraer of Brazil, Gamesa of Spain, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan, Jingdezhen Helicopter Group of the People’s Republic of China, and Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation of Taiwan. Major subcontractors include Hamilton Sundstrand, General Electric and Rockwell Collins. Production on the S-92 is already underway, with major subassemblies under construction in partner facilities, and final assembly commencing in March 2003 in Sikorsky’s new Bridgeport facility.
The S-92 has seen several recent enhancements prior to certification, incorporating both customer-inspired design changes and the Rockwell Collins cockpit. The aircraft now offers additional cabin space and a larger main cabin door, with a 16-inch (41 cm) cabin length extension, as well as reduced tail pylon height and a relocated horizontal stabilizer.
The new Rockwell Collins cockpit affords outstanding visibility and is equipped with a highly integrated avionics package. Rockwell Collins Avionics Management System (AMS) provides the display and management of primary flight data, presentation and management of all navigation information. The system also provides flight management data, a digital map, weather radar, terrain information and engine instrument caution and advisory system processing and display. At the center of the Rockwell Collins AMS are four portrait 6 x 8-inch high-resolution color active matrix liquid crystal Multi-function Displays (MFDs), with a fifth display to be offered as a customer option. The displays are exceptionally sunlight- and cross-cockpit readable, and
are also compatible with night vision goggle operations.
"The Rockwell Collins cockpit incorporates the most advanced avionics technology available today for rotorcraft," said Lappos. "The unique schematic data presentations provide pilots with a visual depiction of the aircraft's condition that is intuitively easy to interpret, a real plus in high workload and emergency situations."
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Nick
I didn't realise you had a day job as well as being our resident guru!
This pic may distort the page, depending upon the resolution set, but it's worth it for a superb shot of the S-92.
I didn't realise you had a day job as well as being our resident guru!
This pic may distort the page, depending upon the resolution set, but it's worth it for a superb shot of the S-92.
Congrats Nick, I'll take 30 in canary SARBOY yellow, 2 winches, weather/ground mapping radar, FLIR and full IFR capable. Have them wrapped and sent round and make the invoice out to the MOD. Thanks!
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Well done, Nick and rest of your team. Looking forward to seeing some grey ones N of the border.
Any thoughts about the CYOD invitation?
Heliport, thanks for the new desktop background.
Any thoughts about the CYOD invitation?
Heliport, thanks for the new desktop background.
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Congratulations, Nick... a red letter day on two counts. The January issue of Pilot magazine, out today, contains a six-page profile of one Nick Lappos headed "Sikorsky Superman"
So Nick, bottom line - If I want to fly this on the North Sea, will I get to do it before I retire. In short, what is the realistic timespan to get the commercial product available ?
Well done by the way
Well done by the way
Iconoclast
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Aw shucks. I may as well join in.
Congratulations to both Nick and the Sikorsky design team. My only lament is that I was not involved in the design process. Looking forward to seeing many of them rolling off the production line and feeling very envious of the Tech Reps working on them.
very nice!
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To Ppruners, thanks for all the kind words! We are setting up the production line in Bridgeport, virtually next doo to the factory where the first R-4's were built. The first customer delivery will be in March of 2004, with rate production deliveries.
Donut, you can borrow the keys, but bring it back full of gas, please!
Lu, it is a Sikorsky, so you would recognize it instantly. Our reps are getting trained early next year, and we will support it with electronic data exchange with the factory thru the HUMS/HOMP which will talk to us each night. It is the first web helicopter.
Special 25, the first deliveries are to offshore folks, and they should be in service by spring of 04, after some training for the crews. Flight Safety in West Palm Beach is making the sim, which should be ready next year. Sim training for flight crews is part of the package.
Heedm, email me about the CYOD thing, OK? Isn't there a "Warm Lake" we could go to??
Crab, 30 is the right number, everything else is already set, equipment wise. But the color(??) we were thinking of something in a nice mauve to go with the carpets.....
Tudor, the feeling is one of relief, pride (and wonder that we did it on time!) It was the fastest, cleanest certification anyone at Sikorsky can remember. The first certification data flight was made last December, the FAA got on board in September, and we were done with all flights exactly one year later, Dec 12. The data was all processed in real time, so the FAA was ready to sign on Dec 17 (Wright Brothers day!) so they did. Not a bad data point in the thousands taken.
Lots of work next year for the environmental certifications (the preliminary tests were done in the past, so we have good confidence the certs will be quick) Cold at Fairbanks, Snow in the NE US, Altitude in Colorado, HIRF in Pax River, MD, De-ice in NE US and Eastern Canada. Hook, Hoist, Floats, and equipment at West Palm Beach.
Donut, you can borrow the keys, but bring it back full of gas, please!
Lu, it is a Sikorsky, so you would recognize it instantly. Our reps are getting trained early next year, and we will support it with electronic data exchange with the factory thru the HUMS/HOMP which will talk to us each night. It is the first web helicopter.
Special 25, the first deliveries are to offshore folks, and they should be in service by spring of 04, after some training for the crews. Flight Safety in West Palm Beach is making the sim, which should be ready next year. Sim training for flight crews is part of the package.
Heedm, email me about the CYOD thing, OK? Isn't there a "Warm Lake" we could go to??
Crab, 30 is the right number, everything else is already set, equipment wise. But the color(??) we were thinking of something in a nice mauve to go with the carpets.....
Tudor, the feeling is one of relief, pride (and wonder that we did it on time!) It was the fastest, cleanest certification anyone at Sikorsky can remember. The first certification data flight was made last December, the FAA got on board in September, and we were done with all flights exactly one year later, Dec 12. The data was all processed in real time, so the FAA was ready to sign on Dec 17 (Wright Brothers day!) so they did. Not a bad data point in the thousands taken.
Lots of work next year for the environmental certifications (the preliminary tests were done in the past, so we have good confidence the certs will be quick) Cold at Fairbanks, Snow in the NE US, Altitude in Colorado, HIRF in Pax River, MD, De-ice in NE US and Eastern Canada. Hook, Hoist, Floats, and equipment at West Palm Beach.
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Lu
Nick says they "did it on time - and it was the fastest, cleanest certification anyone at Sikorsky can remember!" 
"My only lament is that I was not involved in the design process."
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Nick, first of all, congrats with the S-92 program. Second, do you have a ballpark time-frame and location for the de-icing testing in E. Canada (thinking maybe cyaw)...might be able to come have a closer look and of course buy you a well deserved beer or alternative....
Iconoclast
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Barnacle on the Ass of progress
To: Flying Lawyer
Are you saying that I would have impeded the design process?
I was only inferring that I would have liked to participate in working on the Reliability, Maintainability and Systems Safety Process.
Are you saying that I would have impeded the design process?
I was only inferring that I would have liked to participate in working on the Reliability, Maintainability and Systems Safety Process.
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Frisky Bunny you sound frisky, all right.
I think I posted a few lines above your post to discuss the work remaining, where I described the work we will do to certify the environmentals - cold, snow, altitude and such, down to the hook/hoist/floats.
So please tell me exactly what do you think I didn't tell you, as in "What Sikorsky have not told you".......
It is great having this web site, because I can converse with folks all over the world, directly. I can also let you know that I resent your attitude, and remarks.
Any time you would like to pull off a "publicity stunt" like certifying a flying machine, let me know. I will hold your coat while you do the stunt. Just pack a lunch, cause it is just an all day job for someone as skilled as you. For us regular airframers, it takes about 250 engineers and technicians and about 4 years from first flight. Maybe 1500 flight hours, each hour the product of a 30 man team to launch, measure and inspect each of the three aircraft, plus about 100,000 pages of engineering reports, several hundred test components to tear apart on machines (the largest machine pulls with 150,000 pounds of tension). Some stunt, huh?
I think I posted a few lines above your post to discuss the work remaining, where I described the work we will do to certify the environmentals - cold, snow, altitude and such, down to the hook/hoist/floats.
So please tell me exactly what do you think I didn't tell you, as in "What Sikorsky have not told you".......
It is great having this web site, because I can converse with folks all over the world, directly. I can also let you know that I resent your attitude, and remarks.
Any time you would like to pull off a "publicity stunt" like certifying a flying machine, let me know. I will hold your coat while you do the stunt. Just pack a lunch, cause it is just an all day job for someone as skilled as you. For us regular airframers, it takes about 250 engineers and technicians and about 4 years from first flight. Maybe 1500 flight hours, each hour the product of a 30 man team to launch, measure and inspect each of the three aircraft, plus about 100,000 pages of engineering reports, several hundred test components to tear apart on machines (the largest machine pulls with 150,000 pounds of tension). Some stunt, huh?
Nick,
To even respond to such drivel as was offered re: your publicity stunt....is to give credence to what was blatently obivious as bovine fecal matter to anyone with a modicum of commonsense! I would counsel you to note the source and ignore such comments for they certainly do not deserve a reply. Now....if the Weasel...Skunk or whatever that critter was....will read the Canadian Aviation site and some of the other Pprune forums and see just how well the Knock-off copy of the Apache and the vaunted EH-101 is doing......he will soon find more fertile pastures to drop his offerings into.....and at least he will have some basis of fact upon which to countenance his arguments.
By the way Nick....saw one of your fine comments quoted in another website....something along the line of...."If you find yourself in a fair fight....you have not planned correctly!" Which brings to mind another one I overheard....source unknown....which so very correctly states..."Never have a war of wits with the unarmed.....it is so unfair!" Which is why I suggest you leave the Skunk/Weasel/Hare alone.
To even respond to such drivel as was offered re: your publicity stunt....is to give credence to what was blatently obivious as bovine fecal matter to anyone with a modicum of commonsense! I would counsel you to note the source and ignore such comments for they certainly do not deserve a reply. Now....if the Weasel...Skunk or whatever that critter was....will read the Canadian Aviation site and some of the other Pprune forums and see just how well the Knock-off copy of the Apache and the vaunted EH-101 is doing......he will soon find more fertile pastures to drop his offerings into.....and at least he will have some basis of fact upon which to countenance his arguments.
By the way Nick....saw one of your fine comments quoted in another website....something along the line of...."If you find yourself in a fair fight....you have not planned correctly!" Which brings to mind another one I overheard....source unknown....which so very correctly states..."Never have a war of wits with the unarmed.....it is so unfair!" Which is why I suggest you leave the Skunk/Weasel/Hare alone.
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f****ed up bunny
Nick,
Sasless is right. FB is just instigating(sp).
Now is not the time to even get into that drivel.
It's supposed to be a happy time of year..... food, chocolate, donuts.........mmmmmmmm donuts mmmmmm, chocolate, food, DONUTS mmmmm........etc.
D.K
Sasless is right. FB is just instigating(sp).
Now is not the time to even get into that drivel.
It's supposed to be a happy time of year..... food, chocolate, donuts.........mmmmmmmm donuts mmmmmm, chocolate, food, DONUTS mmmmm........etc.
D.K