Helikopter - S-92A MGB status - Sikorsky

S-92 mockup Farnborough 1992 - Photo: Per Gram

Hi Per, thank you for your patience.  Here is our response:

Question:  In the aftermath of the EC225 accident here, I read that Sikorsky is either heavily modifying or building an new MGB for the S-92A. Does this hold water? I mainly hope you will have the MGB certified for 30 min. dry run and not another waiver to the main rule, i.e. “extremely remote” which per definition is 1: 10 000 000.

Response:

The S-92 helicopter was fully certified by FAA, EASA, Transport Canada and other regulators without waiver.  Since its introduction, it has become the industry standard for off-shore transportation, search and rescue and VIP/VVIP/HOS transport.  With more than one million fleet flight hours of service, and an accident rate of 0.21, less than 1/10 the U.S. Civil Multi-Turbine engine helicopter accident rate, Sikorsky believes that the S-92 helicopter sets the industry standard for safety. The S-92 was certified to FAA/EASA harmonized Part 29 requirements, as amended through Amendment 47. It lead the way by being the first aircraft certified to this rigorous standard and by meeting or exceeding oil and gas industry requirements.

Sikorsky believes in continuous product improvement, and we have been making incremental improvements to the existing gearbox since its introduction.  These improvements are introduced to the fleet as soon as possible and have contributed to the outstanding safety record and availability of the S-92 helicopter.   Since its introduction, Sikorsky has implemented numerous product improvements to the S-92 main gear box, including: a higher strength filter housing with steel studs to better secure the MGB oil filter; stronger MGB housing; automation of the MGB oil bypass system; enhanced chip detectors; super-finished gears; improved oil pumps; enhanced pump retention; and a pump failure indication system.  Currently, we are preparing to field an anti-clog pump inlet in the main transmission module to further reduce the probability of main gear box emergencies. 

Sikorsky will continue to develop new and innovative products and solutions that will both enhance safety and  increase the reliability of the S-92 helicopter.

Callie D. Ferrari, APR

Communications Manager

6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484

Please Note New Email Address: callie.d.ferrari@lmco.com

Mobile: 203-360-4819

Fax: 860-660-2508