Heli-Expo 2015: Vector Aerospace details recent contracts

Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services – North America (HS-NA) is to refurbish the airframe of a Sikorsky S-76B helicopter for the Royal Thai Navy under a contract announced on 3 March.

The refurbishment will include a complete re-wire, airframe repairs, maintenance and full paint.

Vector Aerospace has previously carried out refurbishment on two of the Royal Thai Navy’s S-76B aircraft. The company received its first certificate of acceptance from the force for the first refurb in 2010.

The Royal Thai Navy’s fleet of six S-76Bs were purchased in 1996 and are primarily used for SAR and mission transport, deployed out of U-Tapao to various locations in Thailand.

Chris McDowell, vice president, sales and marketing at HS-NA, said: ‘We are pleased to have been reselected to perform a full refurbishment on one of the RTN’s S76B aircraft and we will work hard to deliver a high quality product on time and on budget. This most recent contract win in Thailand reinforces HS-NA’s strong commercial presence with the various military and para-public helicopter operators in the country.’

Commander of the Naval Air Division, Royal Thai Navy, added: ‘Vector has performed top-quality service on our S-76Bs over the past four years and we have been consistently satisfied with the results. Above and beyond the economic requirements, we selected Vector Aerospace based on their previous support and extensive experience with S-76B aircraft maintenance.’

Elsewhere, Vector Aerospace has signed a five year agreement with Orange County Sheriff’s Department to conduct maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) work on its AS350 and UH-1H helicopters.

McDowell said: ‘Signing this contract with Orange County Sheriff’s Department highlights Vector’s ability to provide tip-to-tail MRO support for AS350 fleets. With extensive qualifications and experience on Arriel 1 & 2 engine platforms, AS350 components and UH-1H aircraft, we are looking forward to supporting the MRO requirements of Orange County over the next 5 years.’

Other news from Vector Aerospace HS-NA at Heli Expo includes the announcement that the company is seeing growing success with 12-year inspection services.

The company recently completed its first 12-year inspection on an EC130 B4 helicopter for a private owner; as well as performing two AS350 12-year inspections for Care Flight of Reno, Nevada, affiliated with Air Methods. A third is expected to be carried out later this month.

For inspections on the AS350 series, Vector Aerospace uses an in-house Airbus Helicopters approved fuselage fixture, and has the capability to perform floor and aft structural assembly; tailboom repairs/assembly and composite repairs including canopy assembly. Vector Aerospace also has Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) repair design approvals required to conduct Airbus Helicopters certified 12-year inspections.