Universal Avionics Systems signed a more than $11-million agreement with Sikorsky Aircraft on February 23 to supply 132 satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) flight management systems for Sikorsky S-92s destined for a number of operators that include PHI, CHC and Bristow. Deliveries of the Universal SBAS FMSs are expected to begin in a few months and continue through 2020, according to Robert Clare, director of sales at Universal Avionics.

Although the total order averages about $85,000 per aircraft, the cost to the customer will vary by the enhancements added and the number of units ordered.

The SBAS FMS for the S-92, which is configured with the latest version of Universal’s multi-mission management software (1101 MMMS), provides the capability for instrument approaches to offshore rigs and platforms and ADS-B. PHI was the first S-92 customer to use ADS-B, Clare said.

He explained that the SBAS FMS is enhanced with P-Rnav capability and fuel management; it also accommodates and is configurable for greater-than-standard-rate turns and offers six distinct search patterns, drifting target and mark-on target. Night-vision goggle compatibility is another option.

Missions supported by the S-92 SBAS FMS include maritime support; search and rescue; border patrol and surveillance; airborne law enforcement; intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance; and geophysical survey.

Universal has been doing business with Sikorsky for about 27 years, starting with the S-76 and then transitioning to the S-92. Lloyd Helicopters was Universal’s first big FMS user in the late 1980s, Clare noted.