The requirement for additional buoyancy has been brought about by operations in the offshore industry, working in the growing North Sea market. The new 2 bag system, designed by FPT Industries working with a team from Sikorsky, will attach to the sponsons of the helicopter and provide enhanced survivability in Sea State 6, which brings waves between 14 and 20 feet high and wind speeds of 27 - 33 knots.
The new system will operate alongside the existing FPT Industries' flotation equipment which has been the standard on all S-92 helicopters since 1997. FPT Industries will also be the sole supplier of the extended system. The bags are manufactured from PU coated Kevlar, the lightest and toughest material on the market for these conditions.
John Pritchard, VP Operations and Site Director, GKN Aerospace - FPT Industries, comments: "It is part of our strategic plan to grow our business supplying airframes operating in the rigorous North Sea market. This contract represents a significant step towards this goal, and an important extension of our relationship with Sikorsky on the S-92."
First systems are scheduled for delivery in June this year, with the expectation of equipping a growing proportion of S-92's with this extended fit in the coming years. With this new contract, the total value of GKN Aerospace FPT Industries work on the S-92 will exceed $150,000 per aircraft. | 
