SKYTRAC announces new real-time HUMS solution for Sikorsky S-92 helicopter

SKYTRAC  and Sikorsky announced an agreement regarding the development of a next-generation real-time health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) for the S-92 helicopter. This solution, created by SKYTRAC and Sikorsky, will seamlessly integrate with Sikorsky’s existing HUMS system and leverage SKYTRAC’s new Iridium Certus satcom systems to enable in-flight exceedance detection and real-time alerting with automated post-flight downloads of flight data monitoring and HUMS data. The advanced features of this new real-time HUMS solution will improve the safety, operational efficiencies, and overall mission readiness for S-92 operators.

Jeff Sherwood, Director of Business Development at SKYTRAC commented: “With the power of SKYTRAC’s connectivity avionics, S-92 operators will be equipped with next-generation HUMS and FDM capabilities. Not only does this real-time HUMS solution improve safety and operational efficiency, but it also satisfies IOGP 690 standards while remaining reliable, global, and affordable. We at SKYTRAC are proud to work with Sikorsky on the development of this new and innovation solution.”

Leon Silva, Vice President of Global Commercial and Military Systems at Sikorsky stated:“We are thrilled to support this next-generation HUMS connectivity solution for both new and existing S-92 operators. Leveraging HUMS data collected from Sikorsky’s unmatched S-92 fleet - representing more than 300 aircraft and 2.4 million fleet flight hours, SKYTRAC’s Iridium Certus connectivity systems will add new benefits and capabilities for commercial and government operators worldwide.”

With SKYTRAC Iridium Certus systems enabling real-time detection and in-flight alerting of HUMS exceedances, operators can prepare and initiate a response before the aircraft even lands. This will not only improve responsiveness but also elevate safety as it will provide an additional layer of situational awareness and efficiency for mission critical flight operations. Sikorsky’s integration of SKYTRAC’s connectivity avionics enables S-92 operators to meet the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers 690 standards for offshore helicopter operators.

This upgraded solution will utilize the Iridium Certus and cellular networks to acquire HUMS and FDR data in real-time and offload it autonomously via Wi-Fi, cellular, or Iridium Certus networks, depending on availability. With 99.9% global uptime, Iridium Certus connectivity will empower S-92 operators to receive real-time HUMS and FDM data no matter where they are flying, providing unmatched visibility of the aircraft and its operational state. This solution will provide reliable, global, and cost-effective connectivity for real-time data transmission aboard all S-92 aircraft interested in harnessing its capabilities.

As a line-fit option from Sikorsky’s factory, customers will have the option to include this new HUMS solution upon ordering their new aircraft. For those already operating the S-92, an aftermarket option with supplemental type certificates and installation kits will also be available directly from SKYTRAC.