Sikorsky Unveils the Cutting-Edge S-92® Phase IV Gearbox Revolution
Sikorsky, a division of Lockheed Martin, announced the highly anticipated S-92® Phase IV primary gearbox, a revolutionary development that establishes a new benchmark for reliability, efficiency, and safety in the commercial rotorcraft industry.
The S-92 Phase IV primary gearbox incorporates an auxiliary lubrication mechanism that activates automatically in the event of primary oil pressure loss, negating the need for immediate landing and enabling operators to reach their destination safely. This cutting-edge solution has been validated through over 800 hours of rigorous testing, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification anticipated in 2025. Four gearboxes have been completed at the company’s Stratford headquarters, and clients are already keen to become early adopters.
“The Phase IV primary gearbox enhances its predecessor’s standing as one of the most reliable and leading gearboxes in the market, exemplifying Sikorsky’s ongoing commitment to the S-92 platform,” remarked Leon Silva, vice president of Global Commercial and Military Systems at Sikorsky. “We have spent more than a decade designing, testing, and fine-tuning the Phase IV primary gearbox for superior performance, and we are thrilled to see it establish a new industry standard.”
Sikorsky has invested over $100 million into the development of this gearbox, empowering clients to meet future mission demands and underscoring the company’s dedication to enhancing the S-92 platform. The S-92 helicopter is pivotal in the offshore energy sector and is a reliable choice for search and rescue, state transportation, and various critical missions internationally.
The introduction of the Phase IV primary gearbox marks a major milestone in Sikorsky’s relentless pursuit to improve the capability and security of the S-92 fleet. With an average operational availability exceeding 90%, numerous S-92 aircraft serving the demanding offshore energy sector achieve more than 1,500 flight hours annually, on average. As the offshore energy landscape evolves, the S-92 Phase IV primary gearbox is optimally situated to meet the increasing needs of deepwater operations, providing a safe and dependable solution for transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies to remote areas.
Sikorsky has announced several enhancements to the S-92 helicopter in recent months, including extended scheduled inspection intervals and a one-time life extension for certain primary gearbox housings. These improvements will eliminate more than a year of downtime associated with inspections, allowing operators to securely maintain their aircraft in operation and generating revenue for a longer time frame. The earned life credit is up to 1,200 hours / 3,600 ground-air-ground cycles, translating to an additional 12 to 18 months for an average S-92 offshore oil operator and over 24 months for others.
