Makli

The first of five prototypes of the Sikorsky S-92 Helibus medium-sized helicopter is nearing completion at Stratford, Connecticut and is due to fly in September, powered by two GE CT7-8 turboshaft engines.

This is an international collaborative program involving Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan (Main cabin); Jingdezhen Helicopter Group of China (vertical tail surfaces); Gamesa of Spain (aft transmission tailcone and 'strongback' composite structure); Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation of Taiwan (flight deck and other parts); and Embraer of Brazil (sponsons, fuel cells and gauging systems). Sikorsky contributes gearboxes, rotor blades, transmission and drive system, and performs final assembly.

Takeoff weight of the 19 to 22 seater is between 6818 and 15909 KG (15000 and 35000 pounds).

The GE CT7-8 engine is a growth version of the T700/CT7 family and develops 2500 SHP flat rated from sea level to 20,000 feet altitude at temperatures ranging from minus 40C to 57C. The engine has full authority digital electronic control (FADEC). In addition to the S-92, the CT7-8 may also be used for versions of the EH101, Sikorsky Blackhawk and Boeing Apache.

Despite a lack of orders, the Sikorsky aircraft unit of United Technologies Corporation hopes that the S-92 will account for half of all future sales. Aimed at becoming the world standard in both commercial and utility/government markets, S-92 will be available for deliveries starting in 2001.

Sikorsky estimates that it will sell about 800 aircraft out of the 5000 medium-sized helicopters needed in the first 20 years of the new century. The commercial version will sell for about 12 to 14 million US dollars.

Competition fo the s-92 comes from the Eurocopter Super Puma, the Westland-Agusta EH101 and the NH-90.

FAA Certification is due in 2000, and first deliveries are anticipated in 2001. The Helibus program was first announced in 1992.

The S-92 will also incorporate an automatic folding main rotor head and folding tail pylon to facilitate deployment to sea, particularly in the case of such projects as Canada's Seaking Replacement.