FAA Approves Type Certification for S-76D(TM) Helicopter
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STRATFORD, Conn. - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the Type Certificate for the S-76D(TM) helicopter, moving the aircraft forward to its highly anticipated delivery into the medium-sized marketplace. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
The FAA signed the certificate on Oct. 12, capping an intensive flight test program to introduce the S-76D helicopter, Sikorsky's newest commercial product. The S-76D helicopter has a current backlog approaching a half-billion dollars and is expected to begin deliveries later this quarter.
"Our customers are excited to begin receiving the S-76D into their fleets. We are equally excited to deliver a new product that represents three and a half decades of continuous product improvement, to offer them a helicopter with improved efficiency, power and best-in-class noise signature," said Carey Bond, President of Sikorsky Global Helicopters.
Ed Beyer, Vice President of Sikorsky Global Helicopters, added: "The S-76D helicopter ushers in a new era of excellence across mission segments. The S-76D will be incorporated into the fleets of our customers for every mission segment it currently performs including offshore support, VIP, Search and Rescue, and EMS. The S-76D helicopter will offer a higher cruise speed than its predecessors, coupled with more efficient fuel burn, making the S-76 more productive than ever."
The S-76D helicopter is the latest in the family of popular S-76(®) helicopters manufactured by Sikorsky. There have been more than 800 S-76 helicopters delivered to the global fleet since 1979, contributing daily to a growing 6 million-plus flight hours.
Designed for safety, reliability and efficiency, the S-76D helicopter's standard equipment features are all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades; an advanced THALES integrated avionics system and autopilot; health and usage monitoring system, active vibration control; and powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S engines. Rotor Ice Protection System for all-weather capability will be available as an option.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
SOURCE Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
CONTACT: Paul Jackson, +1-203-386-7143, Paul.Jackson@sikorsky.com; Marianne V. Heffernan, +1-203-386-4373, mheffernan@sikorsky.com
Web Site: www.sikorsky.com
