Technical Paper
Sikorsky S-92A® and S-76D™ Helicopter Rotor Ice Protection Systems
2007-09-24
2007-01-3299
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation designed, tested, and certificated a rotor ice protection system (RIPS) for the S-92A® helicopter, using a combination of analytical methods, simulated ice and artificial icing, dry air tests, and tests in natural icing conditions. The S-92A RIPS is a dual-redundant ice protection system, with the necessary reliability to meet the certification requirements of the US Code of Federal Regulations. Certification for the S-92A to fly in icing conditions was granted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in October 2005 and Transport Canada validated this certification soon thereafter. A Technical Visa was issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in April 2006. The S-92A is now in operation throughout the world, with several operators regularly experiencing icing conditions during their winter operations. With the icing certification of the S-92A a reality, Sikorsky has committed to the design of a RIPS for the S-76D™ helicopter.