ANAHEIM, Calif., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced the sale of a civil S-76C++(TM) helicopter to Shanghai Kingwing General Aviation Company. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060403/SIKORSKYLOGO )
It is the first sale of a Sikorsky product to Shanghai Kingwing General Aviation of China. This aircraft is expected to fly in support of civil onshore rescue missions organized by China's Ministry of Civil Affairs. Delivery is planned for May 2009.
"Sikorsky is pleased to introduce the S-76(R) helicopter to Shanghai Kingwing General Aviation," said Carey Bond, Sikorsky Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. "This aircraft has become a proven performer in a variety of missions, including EMS. We are pleased to provide it to this new customer as we embark on this new relationship that will put the S-76C++ helicopter to valuable use."
The S-76C++ helicopter currently in production was first announced in February 2005 as a series of engine, air vehicle, interior and avionics upgrades. Among the product improvements made available at that time were 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(TM) technology that significantly reduced interior noise levels without any weight maintenance penalties.
More than 200 operators in 37 countries today are flying S-76 helicopters. The aircraft perform a wide variety of missions, including corporate and VIP travel, emergency medical service, search and rescue, offshore oil crew transport, and civil defense. The latest and most advanced model, the S-76D(TM) helicopter, is scheduled to enter production in 2010.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. The company's long commitment to safety and innovation is reflected in its mission statement: "We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere ... every time(TM)." 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.
