Sikorsky Unveils New S-92® Helicopter to Strengthen South Korea’s Coast Guard Fleet
South Korea Coast Guard Welcomes Second S-92® Helicopter for Enhanced Search and Rescue Operations
The South Korea Coast Guard has proudly received its second S-92® helicopter, bolstering its search and rescue capabilities. This acquisition was celebrated during a recent ceremony, affirming Sikorsky’s commitment as a premier provider of advanced aviation solutions, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT).
Since March 2014, the South Korea Coast Guard has been utilizing a single S-92 helicopter, which has now proudly logged over 850 flight hours. This operational aircraft has played a vital role in saving more than 30 lives through search and rescue initiatives, as well as emergency medical transport missions.
A notable rescue occurred on June 2, when the S-92 helicopter successfully extracted a 50-year-old man from a vessel in distress. The crew responded to the emergency call, reaching the individual swiftly and transporting him to the hospital within just 30 minutes. Reports indicate that the patient is currently recovering.
“The reliability and performance of our existing S-92 aircraft have been crucial for our time-sensitive life-saving missions,” stated Kim Youngmo, Senior Superintendent of the South Korea Coast Guard and Team Lead for Factory Acceptance Tests. “We are eager to integrate this new helicopter into our operations to continue safeguarding lives.”
Audrey Brady, General Manager of Sikorsky Coatesville Operations, expressed gratitude, saying, “Your trust in Sikorsky and our S-92 helicopter for these essential missions is truly valued. We are dedicated to maintaining our partnership and are committed to providing world-class support for your fleet.”
After its shipment to South Korea, training for aircrews will commence in-country, with the aircraft anticipated to enter active service by the end of the year.
Since 2004, Sikorsky has delivered over 275 S-92 helicopters, primarily serving clients in offshore oil and gas industries, as well as civil search and rescue operations. Additionally, eleven nations employ the S-92 helicopter for head of state missions. In a significant commitment to security and transport, Sikorsky was selected in May 2014 to construct the next U.S. Presidential Helicopter Fleet, utilizing the advanced S-92 platform.
