Contracts Signed With Sikorsky For Eight S-76D Helicopters

China's Ministry of Transport's (MOT) Rescue and Salvage Bureau recently signed contracts for a total of eight Sikorsky S-76D search and rescue (SAR) helicopters to further enhance  the MOT's maritime SAR capabilities. In July 2013, the MOT contracted for four additional S-76D SAR helicopters, following the purchase of four of the same aircraft model in December 2012.  The latest SAR contract is the fifth that China's MOT has awarded to Sikorsky for the S-76 series of helicopters since 2000. When these eight aircraft are delivered in 2014, the MOT will operate a fleet of 16 S-76 helicopters, which have formed the foundation of China's aerial SAR capabilities for maritime operations.

The S-76D helicopter is Sikorsky's newest aircraft, having received U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Certification in October 2012. Designed for safety, reliability and efficiency, the S-76D helicopter's standard equipment features include all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades; an advanced THALES integrated avionics system and autopilot; health and usage monitoring system; and active vibration control. The S-76D is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada's compact and light-weight PW210S engine, which delivers the best in class power-to-weight ratio and fuel burn with excellent payload and range benefits. Rotor Ice Protection System for all-weather capability will be available as an option.

"Sikorsky is honored to be selected again by the Chinese government, and we look forward to continuing our 13-year partnership well into the future," said Ed Beyer, Vice President of Sikorsky Global Helicopters, the commercial aircraft business of Sikorsky Aircraft. "That the MOT chose the S-76D helicopter to perform such an important mission demonstrates its confidence with Sikorsky's products and service. We are especially proud to support China's maritime search and rescue capabilities with our newest product, the S-76D helicopter."

(S-76D helicopter pictured in file photo)

FMI: www.sikorsky.com