The Royal Household of the United Kingdom will continue to use Sikorsky helicopters as its preferred supplier for the Royal Family’s transportation, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced today from the Farnborough International Air Show. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).
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. It is scheduled to enter service in August 2009.
The Keeper of the Privy Purse 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 new S76C++ provides the best value and meets the mission requirements to provide the Royal Family with a helicopter travel service for official engagements,” 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, which first entered service in 2005, includes a powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2S2 Engine, an inlet barrier filter to protect the engine against erosion and environmental contaminants, a new Health and Usage Monitoring System, and a quiet main gearbox utilizing Quiet Zone technology that will significantly reduce interior noise levels without any weight, maintenance or Time Between Overhaul penalties.
The S-76 helicopter 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.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. The company’s mission statement reflects its long commitment to safety and innovation: “We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere every time.” United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., USA, provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
