Advanced all-weather system enhances Sikorsky S-92 helicopter’s search and rescue capabilities
Posted by John McHale
STRATFORD, Conn., 12 March 2011. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved an all-weather operating system for Sikorsky's S-92 search and rescue helicopter.
The Search and Rescue Automatic Flight Control System (SAR AFCS) integrates weather radar, thermal imaging, and search sensors to provide the ability for a search and rescue crew to fly to a geographic waypoint, engage the automatic hover feature, and focus on bringing survivors safely onboard using the aircraft's rescue hoist. The system enables automatic search patterns, lock-on capability once the target is located, and steady hover control for the rescue -- all functions that greatly reduce crew workload and increase the likelihood of successful rescues in challenging weather conditions.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved the system in 2007.
"This system increases the margin of safety and success in performing the more difficult rescues that are complicated by tempestuous weather," says Carey Bond, president of Sikorsky Global Helicopters.
In addition to search and rescue, S-92 helicopters perform a variety of transportation missions for VIPs including heads of state, offshore oil and gas crews, utility, and airline passengers. The worldwide fleet of 132 S-92 helicopters has accumulated more than 295,000 flight hours since deliveries began in 2004.
