Norsk’s Third S-92 Enters Revenue Service
STRATFORD, Conn., January 6, 2006 - Norsk Helikopter’s third S-92 entered into revenue service this week when it departed from Stavanger Airport, in Sola, Norway, on Monday, January 2. The aircraft was made by Sikorsky, a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.
In February 2005, Norsk became the first North Sea oil operator to launch the S-92 into revenue service. Norsk’s third S-92 helicopter will be used under contract with BP Norge and Talisman Energy Norge for employee transport missions to and from oil platforms in the North Sea.
Norsk Helikopter’s S-92 fleet to date has accumulated 3,206 flight hours and transported 66,100 passengers, 754 tons of baggage and 77 tons of freight.
"Sikorsky’s S-92 helicopter has capacity for 19 passengers, and represents substantial improvements as far as comfort, range, and upgraded safety are concerned. BP is pleased to have started up its operations with the S-92, with all the advantages that this helicopter represents; initial passenger feedback following the first flights has been very positive," said Mr. Jan Erik Geirmo, BP Norge AS’ Senior Communications Advisor.
Particularly useful to the offshore oil environment is the Rotor Ice Protection System (RIPS) that comes standard on all S-92 helicopters. The system meets the Federal Aviation Administration’s latest and most stringent all-weather flight safety standards. RIPS allows the S-92 to launch into known icing conditions that might otherwise delay or cancel flight operations. The RIPS determines the temperature and moisture content of the surrounding environment and applies heat to the main and tail rotor blades to remove any ice buildup.
The HH-92, a military variant of the S-92, is Sikorsky’s candidate in the United States Air Force’s Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR-X) replacement program. Designed and built using rugged and proven BLACK HAWK technology, the HH-92 advanced weapons system offers the best combination of survivability, performance, interoperability, safety and cost for the vital CSAR-X mission.
The Canadian government has contracted for 28 H-92 helicopters, designated the CH-148 Cyclone, to conduct a variety of missions including search and rescue, passenger and cargo transfer, medical evacuations and tactical transport.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacturing and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
Source: Sikorsky
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