Cougar is First to Upgrade to S-92A+

Helis, April 27, 2020 - Cougar Helicopters will be the first operator to upgrade their existing S-92A helicopters to the S-92A type with the revolutionary Phase IV Main Gear Box.

Cougar is part of the VIH Aviation Group and operates a fleet of 8 S-92A helicopters mainly to support the offshore energy gas and oil industry.

The new main gear box will allow the upgraded helicopter to return to base in the event of a loss of primary lubrication system oil pressure.

The Retrofitable Upgrade Kit for the S-92A+ Includes:

- Phase IV Main Gear Box - Eliminates Lubrication “Land Immediately” Hazards
- 27,700 lb. Max Gross Weight with Increased Payload and LifePlus™
- Operating Cost Reductions, Enhanced TBO’s
- Weight Reduction Items ( New Passenger Seats, Rotor “Beanie” Redesign, HISL )
- New GE CT7-8A6 Engine Option

New build airframes are designated S-92B and included:

- All A+ Kit Upgrades, Plus
- Acquisition Price Reduction
- Lower Cost Hourly Support Program
- 20% Larger Cabin Windows
- Lightweight, Multi-role Offshore/SAR Interior
- PC2-DLE Performance Procedures
- Global Real Time HUMS™
- MATRIX™ Computing with Rig Approach 2.0™ and SuperSearch™ Features
- CFR Compliance Updates thru 29.56
- New GE CT7-8A6 Engine Option

Cougar Helicopters Inc., a VIH Aviation Company headquartered in St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada, is a full service helicopter operator specializing in demanding environment operations and search and rescue services. A leader in the advancement of flight safety and innovation, CHI adheres to the highest principles for safety and efficiency, exceeding industry standards and expectations.

Four S-92A+ Upgrade Kits

Lockheed-Martin - April 28, 2020 - TRUMBULL, CT – Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company announces that is has signed an agreement with VIH Aviation Group for four S-92A+™ upgrade kits. VIH Aviation Group Ltd. and its operating company Cougar Helicopters Inc. have been a leading S-92® helicopter customer in Canada since 2004 and now, the first S-92A+ kit customer.

The S-92A+ upgrade kits feature the revolutionary Phase IV Main Gear Box, validated to exceed CFR 29.927(c) requirements as demonstrated in full-scale testing. In the event of a loss of primary lubrication system oil pressure, the gear box has demonstrated the ability to provide return to base capability for a range of more than 400 nautical miles.

S-92A+ upgrade kit also includes an increase to 27,700 lb. Max Gross Weight with LifePlus™ improving component retirement times.

"The S-92A+ and S-92B™ programs demonstrate Lockheed Martin’s commitment to the commercial business and to our customers,” said Sikorsky Commercial Systems and Services vice president Audrey Brady. “This program will enhance safety and lower operating costs, and we are honored to work with VIH as our launch customer for this program."

“VIH Aviation Group Ltd. is pleased to be the lead customer for the Sikorsky S-92A+ kit,” said Ken Norie, president and owner of VIH Aviation Group Ltd. “This kit will improve our S-92 fleet’s performance and capacity and enables VIHAG companies to continue providing our customers industry-leading, all-weather and deep-water offshore SAR, medevac and passenger transportation.”

The S-92A+ upgrade kit and new production S-92B aircraft will share new technologies while providing enhanced reliability and improving economics to fleet operators. Sikorsky anticipates the S-92A+ kit will be delivered by 2023 and the S-92B helicopter in 2025.

About Lockheed Martin: Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 110,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

About VIH Aviation Group: VIH Aviation Group Ltd. is the parent company of Canada's oldest privately-owned helicopter company having been in continuous operation since incorporation in 1955. They have strategically located bases and offices that service domestic and international aviation services contracts for a global clientele, with a team of over 400 experienced and highly skilled professionals.