Skytrac Systems and Sikorsky have formalized an agreement to develop an advanced real-time health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) for the S-92.

The HUMS integrates Sikorsky’s existing architecture while leveraging Skytrac’s Iridium Certus satellite communication technology to enable in-flight exceedance detection and immediate alerting functionality, coupled with automated post-flight data transfer.

“With the power of Skytrac’s connectivity avionics, S-92 operators will be equipped with next-generation HUMS and FDM [flight data monitoring] capabilities,” said Jeff Sherwood, director of business development at Skytrac. “Not only does this real-time HUMS solution improve safety and operational efficiency, but it also satisfies IOGP [International Association of Oil and Gas Producer] 690 standards while remaining reliable, global, and affordable.”

Operators will be able to detect and respond to HUMS exceedances before landing, providing maintenance teams with advanced notification of potential issues and enabling preparation of appropriate responses before aircraft arrival.

Sikorsky’s Leon Silva, v-p of global commercial and military systems, remarked, “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.”

The enhanced system uses a multi-network approach for data transmission, automatically selecting between Wi-Fi, cellular, or Iridium Certus networks based on availability, ensuring continuous data transmission regardless of aircraft location or operational environment. With Iridium’s 99.9% global uptime metric, the solution provides consistent connectivity for S-92 operators throughout their flight envelope, delivering real-time operational insights and technical data across all potential mission profiles.

Compliance with IOGP 690 standards makes it particularly valuable for offshore helicopter operations that must adhere to those specifications.

Acquisition options include factory installation as a line-fit option on new S-92 helicopters, while existing fleet operators can implement the system via aftermarket supplemental type certificates and installation kits available through Skytrac.