International Tour Recognizes First Responders And Role Of Helicopters In Emergency Operations

"Legacy of Heroes" is the name of the demonstration tour launched late last week by Sikorsky with a specially customized S-92 helicopter. The tour, which began its multi-country visit from Sikorsky's Global Helicopters facility in Coatesville, PA, will recognize first responders to natural disasters and other humanitarian emergencies around the globe while promoting the company's family of products including the H-92 helicopter, the military version of the company's commercial S-92 helicopter.

Sikorsky Photo

The tour route for 2011 includes parts of the United States during the last part of September through late October. It will move to locations in Asia and India from early December into late February 2012, and then to Latin America and South America later in 2012. A six-member crew, headed by veteran Sikorsky pilots Melissa Mathiasen and Joe Brennan, will conduct cockpit briefings and aircraft tours at designated stops and will participate in first responder recognition ceremonies and other special events to provide community support along the way.

"Sikorsky Aircraft was built on the concept of providing an amazing machine that's primary purpose is to save human lives," said Carey Bond, President of Sikorsky Global Helicopters. "Since its earliest helicopters, Sikorsky has routinely been the first to arrive on the scene of natural disasters and other emergency, life-threatening situations. The Legacy of Heroes demo tour gives us the opportunity to share the success stories of the extraordinary people who use our products and to introduce the aircraft capabilities and product solutions to those who may be unfamiliar with them."

Employees at Sikorsky Global Helicopters' main facility in Coatesville customized the utility-configured S-92 aircraft for the tour. The aircraft bears a unique gray and black paint scheme with a silhouette of first responders depicted on each side. The aircraft is fitted with side-facing seats, a triple-litter kit, cargo hook, Search-and-Rescue Automatic Flight Control System, and night sun capabilities. During the tour, the crew will showcase the multi-mission capability of the aircraft including its military and paramilitary capabilities.

The company has created a microsite on the Internet to provide regular updates on the tour's activities, with a map that will track the aircraft's location. The microsite will offer blog reports from crew members and other highlights of the tour.

FMI: www.SikorskyLegacy.com