Aviation News – Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, is initiating production of its updated S-92A+ commercial heavy-lift helicopter, aiming to address rising global demand for head-of-state transport and offshore energy support. This strategic expansion in manufacturing underscores the company’s commitment to modernizing its flagship rotary-wing fleet for international operators.
The development and assembly of the S-92A+ variant will take place across Sikorsky’s New York facilities in Stratford and Owego. This program follows a series of successful deliveries to head-of-state clients in Asia and the Middle East, with a 14th country recently placing an order for two of the new-generation aircraft. By leveraging the expertise of the workforce that delivered the presidential VH-92A platform, Sikorsky aims to produce up to 12 of these advanced helicopters annually.
The S-92A+ represents a significant technological evolution, designed to set new industry benchmarks for performance and reliability. The aircraft features the advanced Phase IV main gearbox, which is engineered for a 6,000-plus hour operating life, and upgraded GE CT7-8A6 engines. These improvements, combined with structural reinforcements, increase the helicopter’s maximum gross weight to 27,700 pounds, providing operators with an additional 1,200 pounds of payload or fuel capacity. This enhanced configuration ensures the helicopter can maintain high performance in challenging “hot and high” environments, making it ideal for critical missions.
“The S-92A+ helicopter is another example of how we are modernizing the fleet and transforming for the future, and we are building in surge capacity to meet expected demand,” said Rich Benton, Sikorsky vice president and general manager. “The S-92 remains the aircraft of choice for head-of-state, offshore energy, and search and rescue operators who want the highest available flight-time helicopter to perform long-range missions in any weather condition.”
Looking forward, the S-92A+ program is positioned to support a diverse range of operations, including firefighting, personnel transport, and military missions. Sikorsky is also offering the A+ capability as a retrofit kit for existing S-92A fleets, allowing current operators to upgrade their existing aircraft with the latest drivetrain and engine enhancements. This flexibility is expected to sustain the platform’s market relevance well into the next decade as global defense and commercial sectors continue to require reliable heavy-lift capabilities.
By initiating this production batch, Sikorsky solidifies its role as a leader in the heavy-lift market. As the first S-92A+ units move through the assembly line, the company is well-prepared to fulfill both current contracts and future procurement needs across the globe.
Photos courtesy of Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company.
