Sikorsky and Sharp Technics K Launch First Customer Support Center in Republic of Korea
Expands local support for S-92® helicopter operators and critical lifesaving missions
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, announced that Sharp Technics K, a subsidiary of Sharp Aviation K, Inc. is the first authorized Customer Support Center for the S-92® multi-mission helicopter in the Republic of Korea. Conveniently located at Incheon International Airport in Seoul, Sharp Technics K will enable customers to keep their S-92 helicopters in service for longer and maximize fleet availability and operational readiness.
"Sharp Technics K will facilitate faster maintenance turnaround times and local parts supply for S-92 operators in the Republic of Korea and beyond who are dedicated to search and rescue, firefighting and head of state transport missions," said Leon Silva, vice president of Global Commercial and Military Systems at Sikorsky. "This initiative demonstrates Sikorsky's ongoing commitment to Korea and the S-92 helicopter, and we are confident that Sharp Technics K will deliver exceptional service."
"We are honored to be authorized as a Customer Support Center for the S-92 helicopter," said Paik Soon-suk, President and CEO of Sharp Technics K. "We share Sikorsky's passion for aviation safety and reliability, and we are committed to delivering exceptional service to our customers.”
Sikorsky has supported the Republic of Korea’s national defense, search and rescue, and presidential transport missions for decades. Since 2014, the Korea Coast Guard has relied on S-92 helicopters, which have flown more than 2,000 hours and saved more than 30 lives through search and rescue and emergency medical transport missions. S-92A helicopters support lifesaving operations for National 119 Rescue, including firefighting, and three S-92As are in use by the Republic of Korea Air Force for presidential transport.
The S-92 helicopter is a highly capable and reliable aircraft, with over 2.4 million fleet flight hours accumulated in a variety of missions, including search and rescue, oil and gas transportation, and VIP transportation. In recent months, Sikorsky has announced several enhancements to the S-92 helicopter, including increased scheduled inspection intervals and a one-time life extension for specific main gear box housings. These enhancements will eliminate more than a full year of downtime caused by inspections and allow operators to safely keep their aircraft in service longer.