Inside The $30 Million Sikorsky S-92

Inside The $30 Million Sikorsky S-92 Helicopter

0:00 - Intro
This is the Sikorsky S-92, the helicopter industry’s standard for safety and reliability thanks to more than 2 million fleet flight hours and nearly 95% availability. Here is everything you need to know about the Sikorsky S-92.

1:28 - Cabin
The first thing that strikes you when you step into the cabin is its roominess.
The seating arrangements are flexible and can be tailored for different roles. In a standard utility configuration, the S-92 can accommodate up to 22 passengers in a large, stand-up cabin with a full cabin-width rear ramp. However, the civil transport version has an airliner-type interior that comfortably seats 19 passengers, and in a more executive setting, the cabin can be outfitted with a 12-seat configuration that includes more luxurious seats, in-flight entertainment systems, and other creature comforts.
The materials used in the cabin are durable and thoughtfully chosen to balance weight and functionality.
The five-blade main rotor and four-blade tail rotor, in conjunction with acoustic liners and vibration absorbers, collectively make for a quieter and smoother flight experience.
The environmental control system is capable of providing both heating and air conditioning, ensuring that the cabin remains comfortable regardless of external weather conditions.
The cabin incorporates adequate storage solutions, including overhead bins and under-seat compartments. Moreover, the cabin floor is strengthened to accommodate heavy loads, rated up to 3,000 pounds or 1,361 kilograms in some configurations.

4:09 - Cockpit
The cockpit offers ample room for 2 pilots and an optional observer or additional crew member.
At the heart of the S-92's flight capabilities is its fully integrated fly-by-wire flight control system. The system also includes features like auto-hover, which aids in operations like search and rescue where maintaining a steady position is crucial.
The avionics suite is primarily composed of the Thales TopDeck avionics system that includes four 8 x 10-inch MFDs that are highly customizable.
The S-92 features a full array of modern navigation systems including GPS, INS, and DME. The communication capabilities are equally robust, with VHF, UHF, and SATCOM options available. A Traffic Collision Avoidance System and ADS–B system further bolster the aircraft's safety credentials.
Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning Systems and Synthetic Vision Systems work in tandem to provide pilots with a comprehensive understanding of their environment.
The engine data is meticulously displayed to provide real-time monitoring of various parameters such as turbine temperature, RPM, and fuel consumption. An intelligent fuel management system allows pilots to optimize engine performance based on the mission profile, which is essential for long-duration flights or when carrying heavy loads.
In terms of safety, the cockpit is equipped with emergency systems that include fire suppression controls and oxygen masks.

6:45 - Engine, Performance Specs, and Flying Experience
Now, let’s talk about the engine, performance specifications, and how it flies. The Sikorsky S-92 is powered by two General Electric CT7-8A turboshaft engines with a TBO of 3,500 hours, each of which is capable of producing up to 2,520 shaft horsepower.
In standard conditions, the rate of climb per minute stands at approximately 1,450 feet or 442 meters.
The maximum service ceiling is rated at 14,000 feet or 4,300 meters, offering a considerable range of operational altitudes. The maximum speed is 165 knots and the maximum cruise speed is 150 knots.
The average fuel burn per hour is around 220 gallons or 830 liters, which, when considered with its maximum fuel capacity of 760 gallons or 2,900 liters, lends the aircraft a maximum range is approximately 550 nautical miles which is 630 miles or 1,000 kilometers.
And finally, talking about payload, the S-92 boasts a maximum net payload of 13,500 pounds or 6,120 kilograms, and a commendable full-fuel payload of 4,135 pounds or 1,880 kilograms.

9:15 - Purchase and Charter Price
The base purchase price for a new Sikorsky S-92 is $27 million before options, and the charter price is estimated at $6,000 to $9,000 per hour. Naturally, prices will vary depending on availability, fuel prices, ground fees, and more.

9:34 - Operating Cost
While the annual fixed cost is roughly $500,000 to $750,000, the average hourly operating cost is estimated at $3,000 to $4,500.

9:45 - Outro

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