STRATFORD, Conn. — Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky is preparing to begin production of its upgraded S-92A+ helicopter, positioning the new variant to meet growing global demand for heavy transport aircraft capable of long-range missions and higher payload capacity.
The initial batch of the new helicopter will be manufactured at the company’s facilities in Stratford, Connecticut, and Owego, New York. The launch of the upgraded model reflects Sikorsky’s effort to modernize its commercial helicopter lineup while reinforcing the long-standing S-92 platform used by governments and offshore energy operators worldwide.
“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 said the first aircraft produced will be delivered to a head-of-state transport customer, highlighting the helicopter’s role in government and VIP aviation markets.
“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.”
Production Plans for the S-92A+
Sikorsky is assembling the first production batch of the upgraded aircraft as part of its broader strategy to refresh its commercial rotorcraft portfolio and expand sales opportunities in global markets.
“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 produced using manufacturing resources from the company’s main production hub in Stratford and its integration center in Owego.
“The aircraft will be built using resources from the company’s headquarters in Stratford and its integration facility in Owego.”
A new international order will help anchor the first production run. Sikorsky confirmed that another country has joined the list of S-92 operators.
“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.”
As the production program scales up, Sikorsky believes the line could reach an annual output of as many as 12 helicopters depending on market demand.
“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.”
Assembly and Manufacturing Operations
Manufacturing responsibilities for the aircraft will be divided between Sikorsky’s two major U.S. facilities, each specializing in different aspects of the helicopter’s production process.
“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.”
The Owego site will focus on assembling the helicopter and integrating its onboard systems.
“Meanwhile, the Owego facility will handle aircraft assembly and systems integration.”
The New York facility brings extensive experience to the project, having previously assembled presidential helicopter variants derived from the S-92 platform.
“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.”
Sikorsky has continued delivering aircraft to international government customers in recent years, including deliveries made last year.
“The expanded production effort follows deliveries in 2025, when Sikorsky supplied two S-92A helicopters to government customers in Asia and the Middle East.”
Performance and Technology Upgrades
The S-92A+ incorporates several engineering improvements designed to enhance operational performance, reliability, and safety.
“The S-92A+ introduces several technical improvements aimed at boosting performance, reliability, and operational flexibility.”
Among the most significant upgrades is a new Phase IV main gearbox intended to extend maintenance intervals and reduce operating costs.
“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 additional safety features designed to support extended operations.
“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.”
Power improvements are provided by upgraded engines from GE Aerospace.
“Another major enhancement involves the GE Aerospace CT7-8A6 engines, which deliver increased shaft horsepower.”
Combined with structural upgrades to the airframe, the enhancements increase the aircraft’s overall lifting capability.
“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 aircraft’s improved performance will also expand its ability to carry heavy external loads.
“The improved performance also expands the aircraft’s external lift capability for sling-load missions.”
Sikorsky said operators of existing S-92 helicopters will also be able to adopt the upgrades without purchasing entirely new aircraft.
“Operators of existing S-92A helicopters will have the option to retrofit their aircraft with the new S-92A+ upgrade package.”
