In 1995 Sikorsky formed Team S-92 with international partners and launched the helicopter program at the Paris Airshow that year.

The modifications to the tail solved a pitch stability issue discovered during flight testing, and were reported to allow the aircraft to meet a key requirement of the Nordic Standard Helicopter Program (NSHP) for shipboard stowage.

The lengthening of the fuselage and shortening of the tail pylon shifted the aircraft center of gravity (CG) forward, permitting a more level attitude in flight.

The longer fuselage allowed for an additional row of three seats, as well as a larger passenger door option for Search and Rescue (SAR) customers.

[9] In June 2009, Sikorsky Aircraft entered into a joint-venture with Tata Advanced Systems for S-92 manufacturing in India for export and domestic markets.

[12] The S-92 is multi-purpose helicopter powered by twin GE CT7-8A turboshaft engines and has an aluminum airframe and some composite components.

The four-bladed fully articulated composite main rotor blade is wider and has a longer radius than the Sikorsky S-70.

The tapered blade tip sweeps back and angles downward to reduce noise and increase lift.

[14] In February 2011, as published on a Norwegian newspaper's website, the noise and vibration levels were reportedly subject to health concerns, allegedly causing tinnitus and heart problems.

[15][16] A number of safety features such as flaw tolerance, bird strike capability, and engine burst containment have been incorporated into the design.

[17] The S-92 was not able to meet the Federal Aviation Regulation "run dry" specification for loss of oil pressure in the main gearbox, but was certified with an exemption due to the unlikelihood of such a situation occurring; this was a factor in the fatal crash of Cougar Helicopters Flight 91 in 2009.

[22] After Sikorsky successfully challenged in court the preferred supplier status of NHIndustries NH90 for the Nordic Standard Helicopter Programme an open competition was held.

[27] In February 2010, the S-92 was selected by the UK in a £6bn deal to replace 40 Sea King search and rescue helicopters with 25 to 30 S-92s;[28] it subsequently announced that Soteria, the preferred supplier, will not be used due to irregularities with its bid.

The search and rescue variant provides space for seats, litters, auxiliary fuel cell and SAR emergency equipment.