Sikorsky-Made S-92 Fleet Reaches 20,000 Flight Hour Milestone

FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW, ENGLAND, July 18 /PRNewswire- FirstCall/ -- Sikorsky Aircraft's S-92(TM) helicopter continues to perform at an impressive operational tempo with the fleet recently passing 20,000 total flight hours. Sikorsky Aircraft, based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. .

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The first production S-92 aircraft was delivered in late 2004. Twelve of the S-92s currently in service fly an estimated 130-160 hours per month; two of the aircraft have more than 2,200 flight hours to date.

"The S-92 has become a popular choice for offshore oil operators, who fly these aircraft in challenging conditions," said Mick Maurer, Sikorsky vice president, commercial programs. "The S-92 has proven itself to be a reliable, tough aircraft."

The S-92 is a multi-mission medium helicopter used in a variety of roles including offshore oil, executive transport, search and rescue, and airline.

The S-92 is the first helicopter in the world certified to the latest U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and European Joint airworthiness safety standards. The S-92 features a Rotor Ice Protection System (RIPS), which allows the aircraft to operate in known icing conditions. RIPS has been certified by both North American and European aviation authorities and is available on S-92 military variants as well as commercial aircraft.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacturing and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., USA, provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.