Sikorsky S-92 Proves Capability to Deploy Missile Defense Measure

, EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla(DefenceTalk): The Sikorsky S-92 helicopter has successfully demonstrated its capability to discharge a Chaff and Flare Counter Measures Dispensing System, which is designed to ward missiles away from the aircraft. 
 
The S-92 helicopter fulfills several missions including Head of State transport and has military derivatives including the H-92 Superhawk helicopter. Sikorsky Aircraft, based in Stratford, Conn., is a business unit of United Technologies Corp. 
 
Both functionality and effectiveness were demonstrated in separate tests with the latter occurring March 2 at the U.S. Naval Weapons Test Center at China Lake, Calif. 
 
The Chaff and Flare Counter Measures Dispensing System is a version of the ALE-47. The ALE-47 is widely employed on U.S. platforms such as the Sikorsky UH-60, MH-60, HH-60, and internationally on the S-70 helicopter. Sikorsky's S-92 standard survivability suite, offered to international military customers, is based on this system coupled with the AAR-47 Missile Warning System and the APR-39 Radar Warning Receiver. 
 
This system allows the pilot to release chaff or flares to counter the homing of a missile to the helicopter. Chaff resembles tiny strands of aluminum foil, and each strip is cut to length to match the various radar wavelengths. Flares are white-hot magnesium particles designed to defeat a missile's infrared tracking mechanisms. 
 
The S-92 is the only helicopter in its size class certified to the latest U.S., Canadian and European safety standards, placing it among the best, most technologically advanced helicopters in the world. The S-92 and H-92 platforms offer the lowest lifecycle cost of any medium-lift helicopter. They are engineered to reduce routine maintenance requirements by 80 percent and operating costs by 40 percent when compared with past-generation helicopters. 
 
The Canadian Government has selected the naval variant of the H-92 Superhawk (and re-named it the Cyclone 148) for multi-mission requirements including surface and subsurface surveillance and control.  
 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacturing and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.