Sikorsky sells four S92A+s for South Korean presidential flights

South Korea has bought four S-92A+s for presidential flights.

Sikorsky has sold four next generation S-92A+ helicopters to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) for presidential helicopter flights.

In-country mission equipment completion for the S-92A+ helicopters will be conducted by Korea Aviation Engineering & Maintenance Service – a subsidiary of Korea Aerospace Industries, will perform. The contract includes additional special mission equipment and sustainment support, including critical spare parts and field service representation.

Wonik Lee, South Korea country executive for Sikorsky’s parent company Lockheed Martin said the manufacturer was honoured to have been selected to supply the presidential aircraft. “Building on the Republic of Korea Air Force’s long-term experience operating the S-92A, we are confident the S-92A+ will continue supporting this critical mission with the highest standards of safety and reliability,” said Lee.

“The S-92 platform’s shared heritage in presidential transport across the Republic of Korea, the United States and other nations makes this selection especially meaningful. Together with Korean aerospace partner KAEMS’ participation in the program, this milestone reflects Lockheed Martin’s longstanding commitment to the ROK-US alliance, national defence and defence industry cooperation,” he added.

Since South Korea’s first purchase of three S-92 helicopters in 2007, the country’s air force has relied on the platform for presidential transport. S-92 helicopters have also supported Korea Coast Guard search and rescue operations, firefighting and other lifesaving missions for South Korea’s National 119 Rescue Headquarters, part of the country’s National Fire Agency.

The S-92 has logged more than 2.6 million fleet flight hours, with an average lifetime availability rate of more than 90% and over 300 aircraft delivered across 28 countries. The aircraft also serves as the foundation for the US Marine Corps’ VH-92A Patriot presidential helicopter. Sikorsky’s has supplied aircraft for US presidential flights since 1957.

Sikorsky revealed in March its plan to ramp up production of its new S-92A+ at its facilities in Stratford, Connecticut and Owego, New York. The investments will deliver the capacity to produce up to 12 aircraft each year.

Vertical Research Partners hailed what it described last week as “a couple of chopper wins” for Sikorsky. “First up was the decision by South Korea to order the S-92A+ as its new Presidential ride,” wrote the researchers. “SK will be purchasing four helicopters, replacing the existing Sikorsky fleet. Following that up was the US State Department clearance of the sale of 11 Blackhawks and associated kit to Mexico. That package has a potential value of $1.1bn.”