The Queen IS Amused... By S-76s

It's not the largest contract Sikorsky can claim... but it is, perhaps, the most prestigious. The Royal Household of the United Kingdom will continue to use Sikorsky helicopters as its preferred supplier for the Royal Family’s transportation, the helicopter manufacturer announced Monday from the Farnborough International Air Show.

Sikorsky provides the S-76C+ helicopter that the Royal Family currently flies and was named preferred supplier for the replacement in October 2007. The new aircraft will be an S-76C++ helicopter, scheduled to enter service in August 2009.

The Keeper of the Privy Purse (yes, that is an actual title -- Ed.) approved and executed the contractual agreement in June, which includes an option delivery position for the S-76D helicopter, the next version of the S-76 helicopter that is currently in development.

"The S76C+ has been a great success in providing the Royal Family with reliable, efficient and comfortable helicopter travel.  Customer support provided by Sikorsky has been excellent and I am sure that the combination of the upgraded S76C++ and continued high standard of service back-up will provide the Royal Family with the quality service they require," said Captain Christopher Pittaway, Manager and Chief Pilot of The Queen’s Helicopter Flight.

"The need for high-quality, safe and stylish VVIP transport comes neatly packaged in the S-76 C++ helicopter, as we have seen its popularity rise and continue as this aircraft performs around the world,” said Jeffrey P. Pino, Sikorsky President. "We are honored that the Royal Family and so many others entrust their safety and comfort to us."

The S-76C++ helicopter features engine, air vehicle, interior and avionics upgrades. These include a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2S2 Engine, an inlet barrier filter to protect the engine against erosion and environmental contaminants, a new VIP interior, new optional Health and Usage Monitoring System and a quiet main gearbox using Quiet Zone™ technology that significantly reduces interior noise levels without any weight maintenance penalties.

The S-76 serves a multi-mission role that includes offshore oil, VIP transport, including head of state, emergency medical transport, search and rescue and civil defense. The S-76C++ helicopter was initially certified by the FAA in January 2006. and more recently was certified for unconstrained operations in extreme snowy conditions. The European Aviation Safety Agency certified the type design in July 2006, allowing for the export of the S-76C++ helicopter to all European Union countries.

FMI: www.sikorsky.com, www.royal.gov.uk