FPT Industries, a division of GKN Aerospace, has finalized design of the emergency extended flotation system that will maintain stability in extreme conditions on the Sikorsky S-92, the company announced.

According to GKN, the requirement for additional buoyancy has been stimulated by increased offshore operations, particularly in the ever-growing North Sea market.

The two-bag system designed by FPT and a team from Sikor-sky will attach to the sponsons to provide enhanced survivability in Sea State 6 (14- to 20-foot waves, wind speeds 27 to 33 knots). The bags are manufactured from polyurethane-coated Kevlar and will operate alongside the existing FPT flotation equipment that is standard on all S-92s. FPT will be the sole supplier of the extended system.

The first extended flotation systems are scheduled for delivery beginning in June. More information about the system is available in the GKN Aerospace booth (No. 4200).    o