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66-808: Sikorsky entered the VH-92 variant of the S-92 into the VXX competition for U.S. presidential helicopter Marine One (replacing the Sikorsky VH-3D Sea King and VH-60N White Hawk), but lost to the Lockheed Martin VH-71 Kestrel . However, the competition was restarted in 2010 due to ballooning VH-71 development costs, allowing Sikorsky to resubmit the VH-92 in April 2010. By mid-2013, all other aircraft manufacturers had dropped out of

132-576: A Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma contracted by Statoil , that company announced that it would not use that type again and instead use the Sikorsky S-92 to meet its needs, stipulating that operators it contracts with, such as CHC Helikopter Service , will be required to use such equipment. The S-92A is the civilian variant and is available in a number of versions. The civil transport version has an airliner-type interior that seats 19 passengers. The utility transport version has 22 side-facing seats with

198-482: A VH-92 was flown to the White House for take-off and landing tests at spots used for Marine One. In late November 2021, Pentagon officials noted the aircraft was "failing to meet the reliability, availability or maintainability threshold requirements" and that it had damaged landing zones with its exhaust and fuel leaks during test flights. The VH-92 had not yet entered service carrying VIPs. On 28 December 2021,

264-432: A comfortable configuration. Soundproof upholstery is installed, as is separately-adjustable heating and ventilation systems. In addition to the doors, 12 windows line the sides of main cabin area, these are jettisonable to become emergency exits if required. The lower fuselage can also be fitted with flotation gear to give the rotorcraft additional buoyancy . A hatch is set into the cabin floor which facilitates access to

330-432: A four-axis auto pilot, a NADIR type1000 navigation and mission management computer, FLIR turrets, an RBR1500B search radar, an engine anti-icing system, hydraulic and electrical hoists, a SPECTROLAB SX-16 searchlight, engine exhaust-gas deflectors, a Bertin loudspeaker, and six-stretcher interior configuration for MEDEVAC missions. The Spanish Air Force operated Super Pumas for various purposes. The fleet participated in

396-467: A full cabin width rear ramp. The 733 sq ft (68.1 m ) interior cabin area can also be configured to accommodate up to three airline-style LD3 cargo containers. Additional stowage space is available in the 140 sq ft (13 m ) area located in the aft ramp compartment. During development it was referred to as the S-92C Helibus. The H-92 Superhawk is the military variant of

462-406: A greater power output along with a 17% reduction in fuel consumption per mile. The Super Puma also demonstrated its far superior flight stabilisation tendencies and was less reliant on automated corrective systems. The development of both military and civilian variants was carried out in parallel, including at the certification stage. During 1981, the first civil Super Puma was delivered. By 1980,

528-794: A joint-venture with Tata Advanced Systems for S-92 manufacturing in India for export and domestic markets. A US$ 200 million manufacturing plant will be operational in Hyderabad by 2010. Initially, TASL will supply the complete cabins for the S-92 to Sikorsky. The first cabin was delivered in November 2010. The S-92 is multi-purpose helicopter powered by twin GE CT7-8A turboshaft engines and has an aluminum airframe and some composite components. The four-bladed fully articulated composite main rotor blade

594-514: A key requirement of the Nordic Standard Helicopter Program (NSHP) for shipboard stowage. The lengthening of the fuselage and shortening of the tail pylon shifted the aircraft center of gravity (CG) forward, permitting a more level attitude in flight. The longer fuselage allowed for an additional row of three seats, as well as a larger passenger door option for Search and Rescue (SAR) customers. Sikorsky incorporated

660-505: A need for aircraft such as the S-92 with sufficient capability. Sikorsky Aircraft first displayed a S-92 mockup of the planned helicopter in 1992. The S-92 was to be offered for sale beginning in 1993, but due to a decline in the international market for helicopters, this was delayed. In 1995 Sikorsky formed Team S-92 with international partners and launched the helicopter program at the Paris Airshow that year. Sikorsky developed

726-501: A new crashworthy undercarriage , while the rotor blades are also able to withstand some battle damage, along with various other key mechanical systems across the rotorcraft. External features that distinguish the new helicopter from the SA 330 include a ventral fin underneath the tail boom and a more streamlined nose. From the project's onset, it had been planned for the new rotorcraft to be available in two fuselage lengths, consisting of

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792-449: A next generation successor to the AS 332 was introduced in 2004, the further-enlarged Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma . During 1974, Aérospatiale commenced development of a new medium transport helicopter based on its successful SA 330 Puma. The project's existence was publicly announced at the 1975 Paris Air Show . While the new design retained a similar general layout to the preceding AS 330, it

858-453: A pair of more powerful Turbomeca Makila turboshaft engines was also adopted, along with a more streamlined nose, amongst other changes. Two distinct fuselage lengths, a shortened and stretched form, were developed from the onset. On 5 September 1977, the SA 331 preproduction prototype performed its maiden flight ; the first true Super Puma made its first flight roughly one year later. By 1980,

924-412: A short fuselage version that had similar capacity to the SA 330, while providing superior performance under "hot and high" conditions, and a stretched version which allowed for greater quantities of internal cargo or passengers to be carried in circumstances where overall weight was deemed to be less critical. On 5 September 1977, a preproduction prototype, the SA 331 , modified from a SA 330 airframe by

990-603: A single integrated standby instrument system and vehicle monitoring system are also fitted. According to Airbus Helicopters, the avionics installed upon later variants has ensured a high level of operational safety. Third-party firms have offered various upgrades for the Super Puma, including integrated flight management systems , global positioning systems receivers, a digital map display, flight data recorders , an collision warning system , night-vision goggles -compatibility, and multiple radios . A marine variant of

1056-441: A sizable Super Puma fleet. At least 19 Super Pumas have been operated by Germany's Federal Police service as of 2018. The Finnish Border Guard has operated numerous AS332 L1 Super Pumas equipped for maritime reconnaissance and SAR operations throughout the country. To better suit the challenging prevailing conditions, they are typically fitted with forward-looking infrared , a four-axis autopilot, and deicing apparatus. During

1122-592: A wide variety of purposes. In total, 565 Super Pumas (including military-orientated Cougars) had been delivered or were on order at this point as well. During February 2012, Eurocopter announced that it was offering a lower-cost basic Super Puma configuration that would be more competitive with rivals such as the Russian-built Mil Mi-17 . Starlite Aviation became the launch customer for this new variant, designated AS 332 C1e. In November 2015, Airbus Helicopters announced that manufacturing activity of

1188-423: Is a medium-sized utility helicopter, powered by a pair of Turbomeca Makila 1A1 turboshaft engines, which drive the rotorcraft's four-bladed main rotor and five-bladed tail rotor along with a pair of independent hydraulic systems and a pair of electrical alternators . Fuel is housed across six internal fuel tanks, while additional auxiliary and external tanks can be equipped for extended flight endurance. For safety,

1254-624: Is a shipboard maritime helicopter variant developed for the Royal Canadian Air Force to support naval operations of the Royal Canadian Navy . The Sikorsky VH-92 is a variant under development to replace the United States Marine Corps ' Marine One U.S. Presidential transport fleet. After the 1973 oil crisis , major oil and gas companies began exploration further offshore, thus creating

1320-430: Is accessed via a pair of sliding plug doors , features a reconfigurable floor arrangement that enables various passenger seating or cargo configurations to be adopted, which includes specialised configurations for medical operators. According to Airbus Helicopters, in addition to the two pilots, the short-fuselage AS332 can accommodate up to 15 passengers, while the stretched-fuselage AS332 increases this to 20 passengers in

1386-536: Is another large civil operator, having possessed a fleet of 56 Super Pumas in 2014. During the 1990s, Iran procured at least seven Indonesian -built Super Pumas for civil offshore oil exploration missions. Super Pumas are also operated by Petrobras , the largest energy company in Brazil , to support its long-distance oil rigs . The largest civilian helicopter operator in China , CITIC Offshore Helicopter , operates

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1452-733: Is the Brazilian Air Force 's designation for the helicopter used to transport the President of Brazil . A pair of modified Super Pumas was used as the main presidential helicopters, having been configured to carry up to 15 passengers and three crew members. The VH-34 model was progressively supplemented and later replaced by the VH-36 , the later EC725. Various French presidents, such as François Mitterrand , have used military Super Pumas as an official transport during diplomatic missions. During 2008, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown

1518-558: Is wider and has a longer radius than the Sikorsky S-70. The tapered blade tip sweeps back and angles downward to reduce noise and increase lift. Most of the rotor system components aside from the blades are titanium. The S-92 features an active vibration control system, using vibration sensors and structurally mounted force generators to increase flight comfort and lower acoustic levels to below certification requirements. A 2008 study by Norway's Flymedisinsk Institute found that

1584-430: The 2024 Democratic National Convention . Data from Sikorsky S-92 specifications, International Directory of Civil Aircraft and the U.S. Navy. General characteristics Performance Related development Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Related lists Sikorsky S-92 The Sikorsky S-92 is an American twin-engine medium-lift helicopter built by Sikorsky Aircraft for

1650-573: The Aegean Sea . The Greek government signed a deal with Eurocopter for the purchase of an initial four AS-332 C1 Super Pumas in 1998. HAF acquired two more Super Pumas for air support operations of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and six more helicopters followed up in the period 2007–2011 for the new CSAR role of the 384 SAR/CSAR Sq. All HAF Super Pumas are of the C1 version, which includes features such as

1716-523: The CH-148 Cyclone . Canada ordered 28 helicopters in November 2004. The program has been delayed multiple times. As of November 2019, nineteen CH-148 Cyclones have been built, delivered, and accepted by the government of Canada. The Canadian military declared initial operational capacity in June 2018, and expects full operational capacity by 2022. The S-92A variant, designated VH-92 will be used as

1782-638: The Hellenic Air Force issued a request for acquiring more modern and capable SAR helicopters, in order to replace its ageing fleet of Agusta Bell AB-205 SAR helicopters, which were in use since 1975. The need for an all-weather, day and night, long range SAR helicopter for operations throughout the Athens FIR came up after the Imia/Kardak incident of 1996, and the growing tension between Greece and Turkey over territorial water disputes on

1848-554: The Middle East . Indonesia also became a prominent nation for the Super Puma, with the state-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia securing a license to produce it locally. In the civilian sector, it has been heavily used to support offshore oil rigs and aerial firefighting operations. Since 1990, Super Pumas in military service have been marketed under the AS532 Cougar designation. In civilian service,

1914-659: The Niger Delta . In 2015, it was reported that a number of weaponised Super Pumas had been procured by the Nigerian Air Force for anti-insurgency operations against Boko Haram . During 2000, a pair of Nigerian Super Pumas were deployed to in Cross River State to improve area surveillance and increase available firepower in response to insecurity in the vicinity of the Bakassi axis. In late 1990s,

1980-622: The War in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2011, at one point being the sole rotorcraft providing combat SAR and MEDEVAC cover in Afghanistan's western regions, the last of these were withdrawn in November 2013. The type has also participated in firefighting operations domestically. During the 2010s, Spain decided to replace its Super Puma with the newer NH90, delivery of the Spanish Air Force's first example took place in 2020. VH-34

2046-680: The War in Afghanistan . In October 2015, the Swedish Air Force retired its last Super Puma, replacing it with newer rotorcraft such as the NHIndustries NH90 and Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk . Six of these retired Super Pumas were sold on and refurbished for further service with other operators. During 1990, Nigeria made a deal with Aerospatiale to exchange several of their Pumas for larger Super Pumas. In November 2009, an additional five used Super Pumas were acquired from France for peacekeeping and surveillance operations in

Sikorsky VH-92 Patriot - Misplaced Pages Continue

2112-467: The AS 332 Super Puma had replaced the preceding SA 330 Puma as Aérospatiale's principal utility helicopter. It quickly proved to be highly popular amongst its customers; between July 1981 and April 1987, on average, three helicopters per month were being built for operators from both the military and civilian sectors. The success of the AS 332 Super Puma led to the pursuit of additional development programs that produced further advanced models. These included

2178-505: The AS 332 Super Puma, which was redesignated as the H215 at that point, would be transferred to a new purpose-built final-assembly facility in Brasov , Romania . This move is aimed to cut production time and cost by simplifying production to a single baseline configuration that would then be customised to meet the needs of both civilian and military customers. The Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma

2244-637: The French government created a new rapid-response task force, the Force d'Action Rapide , to support France's allies and to contribute to France's overseas engagements in Africa and the Middle East; up to 30 Super Pumas were assigned to the taskforce. In June 1994, France staged a military intervention in the ongoing Rwandan genocide , dispatching a military task force to neighboring Zaire ; Super Pumas provided

2310-643: The S-92 to compete with civil aircraft such as the Aerospatiale/Eurocopter Super Puma . The helicopter uses a new airframe with dynamic components based on the S-70/H-60 components. The S-92 took its maiden flight on December 23, 1998 at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center, West Palm Beach, Florida. In July 2000, Sikorsky announced design changes to the S-92. The fuselage of prototype #3

2376-609: The S-92's vibration levels were 42 percent above that of the Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma ; Sikorsky disputed this finding, saying that the study hadn't used their latest anti-vibration technology. In February 2011, as published on a Norwegian newspaper's website, the noise and vibration levels were reportedly subject to health concerns, allegedly causing tinnitus and heart problems. A number of safety features such as flaw tolerance, bird strike capability, and engine burst containment have been incorporated into

2442-522: The S-92. It has been demonstrated to the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. The H-92 has more powerful GE CT7-8C engines, rated at 3,070  shp (2,290 kW) and, unlike the S-92, has fly-by-wire flight controls. The search and rescue variant provides space for seats, litters , auxiliary fuel cell and SAR emergency equipment. In July 2004, the H-92 Superhawk was selected by Canada for its Maritime Helicopter Programme (MHP) as

2508-423: The Super Puma had succeeded the SA 330 Puma as Aérospatiale's principal utility helicopter. The Super Puma quickly proved itself to be a commercial success for both military and civil customers. The French Army were a keen early customer, using the type in its new rapid response task force, the Force d'Action Rapide , and routinely dispatching Super Pumas to support France's overseas engagements in both Africa and

2574-434: The Super Puma has also been manufactured for performing antisubmarine warfare and antisurface warfare missions. In such a configuration, the Super Puma is modified with additional corrosion protection, a folding tail rotor boom, a deck-landing guidance system, sonar equipment, and the nose-mounted Omera search radar . For the antisurface role, it can be armed with a pair of Exocet anti-ship missiles . In August 1983,

2640-436: The U.S. Navy for delivery in 2017. Production of a further 17 aircraft was planned to begin in 2020. The total FY2015 program cost is $ 4.718 billion for 23 helicopters, at an average cost of $ 205M per aircraft. In July 2016, the design passed its Critical Design Review , clearing it for production. On 28 July 2017, the first VH-92A performed its maiden flight at Sikorsky's Stratford, Connecticut facility. On 22 September 2018,

2706-612: The VH-92 achieved its Initial Operational Capability (IOC) milestone. However, the aircraft, named "Patriot" in 2022, was still unable to transport the president or vice president due to issues with its encrypted communications systems and its tendency to scorch the South Lawn of the White House. A VH-92 made its inaugural flight as Marine One on the afternoon of 19 August 2024, when President Joe Biden rode from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport to Soldier Field en route to

Sikorsky VH-92 Patriot - Misplaced Pages Continue

2772-456: The addition of Makila engines and a new gearbox, performed its maiden flight . The first prototype of the full Super Puma made its first flight on 13 September 1978, and was quickly followed by a further five prototypes. Flight testing revealed that, in comparison with the SA 330 Puma, the AS 332 Super Puma possessed a higher cruise speed and more range, in part due to the Makila engine providing

2838-456: The arrival of features such as lengthened rotor blades, more powerful engines and gearboxes, increases in takeoff weight, and modernised avionics. Furthermore, overseas manufacturing was also established; Indonesian Aerospace (IPTN) has produced both the SA 330 and AS 332 under license from Aerospatiale; IPTN-build rotorcraft were produced for both domestic and some overseas customers. A wide variety of specialised Super Puma variants followed

2904-528: The basic utility transport model into operation, including dedicated search-and-rescue (SAR) and antisubmarine warfare (ASW) versions. Since 1990, military-orientated Super Pumas have been marketed under the AS532 Cougar name. As a fallback option to the NHIndustries NH90 programme, a Mark III Super Puma was also considered for development at one stage. By 2005, various models of Super Puma had been operated by numerous customers across 38 nations for

2970-514: The bulk of the task force's rotary lift capability, transporting French troops and equipment during their advance into Rwanda . During the 1980s, the French Army were interested in mounting an airborne battlefield surveillance radar upon the Super Puma. The first prototype Orchidée was assembled at Aérospatiale's Marignane factory and began testing in late 1988; the French Army intended to procure 20 aircraft to equip two squadrons. Orchidée

3036-487: The cargo sling pole, in addition to individual stowage space for airborne equipment. The flight control system of the Super Puma uses four dual-body servo units for pitch control of the cyclic , collective , and tail rotor. A duplex digital autopilot is also incorporated. The cockpit is equipped with dual flight controls. Principle instrumentation consists of four multifunction liquid crystal displays along with two display and autopilot control panels; for redundancy,

3102-628: The changes into the following two prototypes as the production standard configuration. Some reports suggested that the modifications were actually to resolve damage from structural design flaws. The S-92 is built and customized in Sikorsky's Coatesville, Pennsylvania facility. The S-92 received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) part 29 type certification on December 19, 2002, and received International European Aviation Safety Agency /Joint Aviation Authorities (EASA/JAA) certification on June 8, 2004. In June 2009, Sikorsky Aircraft entered into

3168-482: The civil and military helicopter markets. The S-92 was developed from the Sikorsky S-70 helicopter and has similar parts such as flight control and rotor systems. The H-92 Superhawk is a military version of the S-92 in the utility transport role, capable of carrying 22 troops. The H-92 can also be configured for specific missions, including search and rescue and executive transportation. The CH-148 Cyclone

3234-412: The contest, leaving only Sikorsky. On 7 May 2014, it was announced that the VH-92 had won the restarted VXX competition. In May 2014, Sikorsky was awarded a US$ 1.24 billion contract to produce the VH-92, which is outfitted with an executive interior and military mission support systems, including triple electrical power and redundant flight controls. Six of the variant, designated VH-92A, were ordered by

3300-679: The design. Adherence to FAA FAR part 29 has led the FAA certification board to call the S-92 the "safest helicopter in the world". The S-92 was not able to meet the Federal Aviation Regulation "run dry" specification for loss of oil pressure in the main gearbox, but was certified with an exemption due to the unlikelihood of such a situation occurring; this was a factor in the fatal crash of Cougar Helicopters Flight 91 in 2009. The S-92 received FAA certification in 2002, and International certification in June 2004. The first S-92

3366-412: The fuel tanks use a crashworthy plumbing design and fire-detection and suppression systems are installed in the engine bay. The monocoque tail boom is fitted with tail rotor strike protection; the forward portion of the boom also accommodates a luggage compartment. The retractable tricycle landing gear has been designed to provide high energy-absorption qualities. The main cabin of the Super Puma, which

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3432-495: The late 2010s, older members of Finland's Super Puma fleet were transported to Romania to be modernised and equipped to the newer H215 standard. In 2014, Airbus Helicopters, the manufacturer of the type, declared that the Super Puma/Cougar family had accumulated a total of 890 delivered rotorcraft to customers across 56 nations. By 2015, 187 Super Pumas had been reportedly ordered by military customers; amongst others,

3498-571: The next Marine One to fly the U.S. President. Data from Sikorsky S-92 specifications, International Directory of Civil Aircraft General characteristics Performance Related development Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Related lists Eurocopter AS332 The Airbus Helicopters H215 (formerly Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma ) is a four-bladed, twin-engined, medium-sized, utility helicopter developed and initially produced by French aerospace company Aérospatiale . It has been subsequently manufactured by

3564-850: The preferred supplier status of NHIndustries NH90 for the Nordic Standard Helicopter Programme an open competition was held. Sikorsky entered the S-92 as a candidate for the Norwegian All Weather Search and Rescue Helicopter (NAWSARH) that is planned to replace the Royal Norwegian Air Force Westland Sea King Mk.43B in 2015. The other candidates for the NAWSARH contract of 10 to 12 helicopters were AgustaWestland AW101 , Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey , Eurocopter EC225 , and NHIndustries NH90 . The V-22

3630-470: The preferred supplier, will not be used due to irregularities with its bid. The UK government subsequently opted for a smaller £2.5bn contract with the Bristow Group to operate 11 S-92s (and 11 AW189s) from 10 bases. The Irish Coast Guard replaced its Sikorsky S-61N fleet with the S-92, beginning in 2012. The aircraft are operated by CHC Helicopter . In the wake of the deadly 2016 crash of

3696-458: The successor companies Eurocopter and Airbus Helicopters . The Super Puma is a re-engined and more voluminous version of the original Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma . Development of the Super Puma was carried out during the 1970s, based on the successful SA 330 Puma. While retaining a similar layout, the fuselage was redesigned to increase its damage tolerance and crashworthiness, while composite materials were also more extensively used. Furthermore,

3762-568: The type for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance and search-and-rescue (SAR) missions. Swiss Super Pumas have occasionally been deployed outside the country, usually to provide humanitarian aid, such as a deployment to Greece where they engaged in aerial firefighting during August 2021. During 1988, Sweden arranged to procure a fleet of 12 Super Pumas; they were primarily operated domestically, although some were deployed overseas occasionally, such as to provide medical evacuation services to coalition forces engaged in

3828-669: The type over time, while also expanding its collaboration with Eurocopter . In 1989, the Indonesian Air Force placed an order for 16 Super Pumas as a replacement for the aging Sikorsky S-58T fleet, but amid continued funding shortfalls, only seven units had been delivered by 2008, the operations of which were reportedly hampered by a lack of spare parts. The Indonesian government had also ordered 16 Super Pumas for purposes such as VIP transport, seven of which had been delivered by 2008. Production of these rotorcraft has been performed locally by PT DI. A key export customer

3894-553: Was Switzerland , having originally purchased 15 AS 332M1 Super Pumas, locally designated TH89 , for the Swiss Air Force . These were subsequently joined by 11 AS 532UL Cougars, designated TH98 , while the TH06 programme was launched in 2006 to the retrofit the earlier Super Puma fleet with new avionics that either equaled or exceeded the capabilities of the newer Cougar fleet by RUAG . The Swiss Air Force has typically deployed

3960-414: Was aborted in mid-1990 during post- Cold War defence-spending reductions. Indonesia has been a key customer for the Super Puma; state-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) secured a license to produce the type. While the company was initially involved in the assembly and finishing of Super Pumas delivered from Europe, PT DI has expanded the range of its manufacturing involvement in

4026-615: Was delivered in late 2004 to launch customer PHI, Inc . Sikorsky entered a Search and rescue variant of the H-92 in U.S. Air Force 's CSAR-X combat search and rescue competition beginning in 2006. Its competitors were the AgustaWestland EH101 and HH-47 , but by December 2012 all other manufacturers had withdrawn. Flight International magazine expects Sikorsky to bid a version of its MH-60 special operations helicopter. After Sikorsky successfully challenged in court

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4092-523: Was described as having a pulse- Doppler radar mounted on the fuselage's underside, being capable of 360° scanning to detect low-flying helicopters and ground vehicles at ranges up to 150 km; gathered data were to be relayed in real time to mobile ground stations by a single-channel data link for processing and analysis before being transmitted to battlefield commanders. The system was said to be capable of all-weather operation, and would counteract hostile electronic countermeasures . However, development

4158-688: Was eliminated from the competition in 2012. The S-92 was removed from the competition in July 2013 and was subsequently won by AgustaWestland with an order for 16 AW101s. The S-92 competed with the Eurocopter EC225 for the UK Search and Rescue – Helicopter (SAR-H) program. In February 2010, the S-92 was selected by the UK in a £6bn deal to replace 40 Sea King search and rescue helicopters with 25 to 30 S-92s; it subsequently announced that Soteria,

4224-466: Was flown in a Super Puma during a tour of Iraq . The Super Puma has reportedly proven to be well-suited to offshore operations for the North Sea oil industry , where the type has been used to ferry personnel and equipment to and from oil platforms. One of the biggest civilian operators of the Super Puma is Bristow Helicopters , which had a fleet of at least 30 Super Pumas in 2005; CHC Helicopters

4290-401: Was lengthened by 16 in (40 cm) aft of the cockpit, the tail pylon was shortened by 41 in (1.04 m), and the horizontal stabilizer was repositioned from the left side opposite the tail rotor to the right side at the base of the tail pylon. The modifications to the tail solved a pitch stability issue discovered during flight testing, and were reported to allow the aircraft to meet

4356-407: Was powered by a pair of Turbomeca Makila turboshaft engines, which had recently been developed and were more powerful than the preceding Turbomeca Turmo . The rotorcraft's four-bladed main rotor was redesigned to make use of composite materials . The design team paid substantial attention to increasing the new model's damage resistance; thus, a more robust fuselage structure was adopted along with

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