Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford said today it is offering a new feature on the S-92 helicopter that will allow offshore oil operators a safer way to do approaches in challenging weather conditions.
The system is a response to the frequency in recent years of helicopter crashes that have occurred while ferrying workers to and from offshore oil platforms.
The new system provides an automated approach capability with a higher safety margin than currently is available with any other offshore approach procedure, said Sikorsky, a unit of United Technologies Corp. in Hartford.
A pilot can program the approach into the autopilot and the aircraft flies the approach. This allows the pilots to spend less time concentrating inside the cockpit and more time looking outside for visual cues, the company said.
Sikorsky said the feature is especially valuable in night and low visibility conditions.
Sikorsky said it is currently conducting flight tests on the system, and it plans to have Federal Aviation Administration certification by the end of the year. (AP)
