iscover
The first RAH-66 Comanche rolled out in late May. First flight is scheduled for November.
Rotor Torque
0 comment
Sikorsky Launches S-92
Sikorsky has formed a consortium of risk sharing partners to spread around development of its new S-92 medium lift helicopter, which was officially launched at the Paris airshow in June. The S-92 was first unveiled in 1992, but a launch was put on hold pending a recovery in the world helicopter market. Programme launch of the S-92 should see the first prototype fly in early 1998, with European and US certification and first deliveries planned for 2000. Sikorsky’s Team S-92 consortium consists of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan, Gamesa of Spain, Taiwan Aerospace, Embraer and Jingdezhen Aerospace of China. Mitsubishi has a 7.5% stake of the programme and will design and build the centre fuselage module; Gamesa has a 7% share and will develop and build the upper fairing and transmission housing; Taiwan Aerospace’s 6.5% holding sees it building the cockpit centre section; Embraer (4.5%) will supply the sponsors; while Jingdezhen (2%) will construct the empennage. Sikorsky will build the rotors, rotor head and transmission, and will be responsible for final assembly and flight testing. The S-92 is an enlarged development of the S-70, with a redesigned main rotor and larger main cabin the primary changes. Like the S-70, power for the S-92 will be supplied by two General Electric T700/CT7s. The S-92 will be built in civil and military variants. The 19 seat commercial transport will be powered by two 1750shp (1300kW) CT7-6Ds, and will have a max takeoff weight of 10,940kg (23,100lb). The 1895shp (1415kW) T700 powered military S-92 International Utility will seat 22 troops.
Agusta Unveils A 119 Koala
Agusta has launched a single engine eight seat development of its successful A 109 light corporate twin, the A 119 Koala. The Koala will feature a single, yet to be selected turboshaft in the 800shp (595kW) class, a new rotor hub, skid undercarriage and the ability to carry one or two stretchers in medivac roles. Agusta says the Koala will have the largest cabin in its class. Max takeoff is planned as 2720kg (5997lb), with a max cruising speed of 133kt (246km/h) and a max range of 360nm (667km). A mock-up was displayed at this year’s Paris airshow. In other Agusta news, the Italian helicopter manufacturer has also announced a new variant of the A 109, the A 109 Power. The Power features twin Pratt & Whitney PW206C turboshafts of 730shp (545kW), other features include a redesigned undercarriage, revised main rotor head (as on the A 119) and new cockpit displays.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
Want to see more stories from trusted news sources?
Make Australian Aviation a preferred news source on Google.
Click here to add Australian Aviation as a preferred news source.
