Tue, Nov 17, 2009
Middle East Operator Plans To Buy 4 Of The Composite Helos
In an announcement Monday from the Dubai Airshow, Sikorsky
Aircraft revealed that Falcon Aviation Services (FAS) has
contracted to purchase two Sikorsky S-76D helicopters, with
options to purchase two more, becoming the worldwide launch
customer for the new aircraft. FAS is based in Abu Dhabi and
provides a wide array of helicopter and jet services, ranging from
aerial tours to offshore oil and gas transport and corporate jet
charter.
The S-76D helicopters are scheduled for delivery to FAS starting
in 2011. The aircraft will be configured for VIP corporate,
helitaxi, and offshore oil and gas support missions. The
S-76D helicopters will become the first Sikorsky aircraft in the
FAS fleet, which currently numbers 21 helicopters and five
corporate jets.
"We are thrilled to become part of the FAS fleet and to have the
opportunity to demonstrate the ability of the S-76D helicopter to
excel in the Middle East environment," said Carey Bond, President
of Sikorsky Global Helicopters and Chief Marketing Officer.
"This multi-mission helicopter represents the very latest in the
long and highly successful line of S-76
aircraft."
S-76D Artists Concept
The S-76D helicopter's features include
all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades, an advanced Thales
avionics system and autopilot, dual speed rotor with active
vibration control, Pratt & Whitney Canada 210S engines, a quiet
mode for enhanced public acceptance, and an optional Rotor Ice
Protection System (RIPS) for all-weather capability.
The S-76D helicopter also will offer an increase in useful load
and extended range performance versus the S-76C+ and S-76C++
aircraft currently fielded. The S-76D helicopter completed
its first flight on February 7, 2009, and is scheduled to enter
production in 2010.
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