Will Be Manufacturer's First Night Vision-Capable Medevac Helo

Sikorsky Aircraft announced this week the signing of a contract to provide an S-76C++ helicopter to Boston MedFlight for air medical critical care transports in the Northeast.

The new helicopter will be Sikorsky's first night vision-capable S-76C++ air medical helicopter. The aircraft will be operated and maintained by EraMed, LLC. It will replace an AS-365N2 Dauphin, and is slated to be delivered in 2008.

"Boston MedFlight has an impressive record of service to the citizens of the Northeast," said Jeanne Connor-Osborne, Sikorsky Sales Manager. "We are proud that they have chosen the S-76(R) helicopter to fulfill their lifesaving missions."

Boston MedFlight CEO, Suzanne Wedel, added: "We give every investment at Boston MedFlight the most careful consideration, and extensive research went into selecting the right aircraft to maximize the effectiveness of our entire fleet of vehicles."

To date, more than 700 S-76 helicopters have been delivered, serving a multi-mission role that includes offshore oil, VIP including head of state, emergency medical transport, search and rescue and civil defense.

The current production version is the S-76C++ helicopter, in service since 2005. It features a glass cockpit, dual digital autopilot, and the best combination of speed, range and operating costs in its weight class.

Improvements on the S-76C++ helicopter over the S-76C+ aircraft include Turbomeca Arriel 2S2 Engines, which provides a 5-to-6 percent increase in engine ratings, 350- to 450-pound increase in Category A takeoff gross weight at sea level 90F, and a barrier filter that provides superior protection against foreign object damage (FOD) and contamination, resulting in longer time between overhaul, fewer removals and lower costs.

FMI: www.sikorsky.com, www.bostonmedflight.org