STRATFORD— Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, is preparing to launch production of its upgraded S-92A+ helicopter. The first batch of the new variant will be produced at facilities in Stratford, Connecticut, and Owego, New York, as global demand for advanced transport helicopters grows.
The company confirmed that the aircraft will initially serve a head-of-state transport customer, while additional demand is expected from offshore energy operators. Sikorsky expects the upgraded helicopter to strengthen its presence in markets requiring reliable long-range operations and high payload capability.
S-92A+ Production Plans
Sikorsky is assembling the first production batch of the S-92A+ helicopter as part of a broader effort to modernize its commercial helicopter lineup.
The aircraft will be built using resources from the company’s headquarters in Stratford and its integration facility in Owego.
The company has confirmed that a 14th country recently placed an order for two helicopters configured for head-of-state transport. Sikorsky will build those aircraft along with three additional S-92A+ helicopters during the initial production phase.
Production capacity could reach up to 12 aircraft per year as global demand grows. These helicopters may support missions including personnel transport, offshore energy logistics, cargo operations, firefighting, and military missions.
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Assembly and Manufacturing of the S-92A+
Manufacturing work will be split between two major Sikorsky facilities in the United States. Skilled technicians in Stratford will build critical dynamic components such as rotor blades, drivetrains, and the main gearbox.
Meanwhile, the Owego facility will handle aircraft assembly and systems integration.
The site has extensive experience in assembling presidential helicopter variants based on the S-92 platform, having delivered 23 aircraft for U.S. government operations.
The expanded production effort follows deliveries in 2025, when Sikorsky supplied two S-92A helicopters to government customers in Asia and the Middle East.
S-92A+ Performance Upgrades
The S-92A+ introduces several technical improvements aimed at boosting performance, reliability, and operational flexibility.
One of the most significant upgrades is the Phase IV main gearbox, which is designed to provide more than 6,000 flight hours of operational life before overhaul.
The gearbox also includes an auxiliary lubrication system that allows the helicopter to continue operating safely even if the primary oil pressure is lost. This capability improves safety margins for long-range missions and offshore operations.
Another major enhancement involves the GE Aerospace CT7-8A6 engines, which deliver increased shaft horsepower.
Combined with structural improvements to the airframe, the upgrade raises the maximum gross weight of the helicopter to 27,700 pounds and adds approximately 1,200 pounds of additional payload or fuel capacity.
The improved performance also expands the aircraft’s external lift capability for sling-load missions. Operators of existing S-92A helicopters will have the option to retrofit their aircraft with the new S-92A+ upgrade package.
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