Maharashtra Government signs contract to acquire Sikorsky S-76 helicopter

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced today the signing of a contract to sell an S-76C++ helicopter to the Maharashtra Government in India for VIP transport. The aircraft will join a growing fleet of Sikorsky helicopters operating in India or on order by Indian customers, including other S-76 family aircraft and lightweight S-300 and S-330SP helicopters. Sikorsky, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., announced the sale at the Heli-Expo industry show in Orlando.

"We are honored that the Maharashtra Government has chosen the S-76C++ helicopter after an extremely transparent, open and rigorous competition," said Air Vice Marshal (retired) Arvind Walia, Sikorsky Managing Director for South Asia. "This aircraft is recognized the world over for its safety, performance, efficiency and comfort. We thank the government and look forward to delivering this highly capable, fully configured aircraft before the end of the year."    

The S-76C++ helicopter features engine, air vehicle, interior and avionics upgrades compared with the previous S-76C+. These features include a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2S2 Engine, an inlet barrier filter to protect the engine against erosion and environmental contaminants, and a quiet main gearbox using Quiet Zone technology that significantly reduces interior noise levels. In 2012, Sikorsky will begin delivering the S-76D model, which will include all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades; an advanced Thales avionics system and autopilot; dual speed rotor with active vibration control; powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S engines; a quiet mode for enhanced public acceptance; and an optional Rotor Ice Protection System (RIPS) for all-weather capability.

Sikorsky has identified India as a strategically important market and is currently competing to provide S-70B maritime helicopters to the Indian Navy. The first Sikorsky helicopter flight in India occurred in 1954, and today the company is expanding its presence in-country by teaming with local industry to support the aerospace needs of the Indian government and the region including the civil aircraft segment.

In June 2009, Sikorsky signed a long-term contract with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, for assembly of S-92 helicopter cabins, and in November 2010 the first completed cabin was unveiled at the new Tata facility in Hyderabad. Sikorsky and TASL also signed an agreement in November 2009 tocreate a joint venture that will manufacture Sikorsky aerospace components in India.

Also, in July 2010, Sikorsky's aftermarket division, Sikorsky Aerospace Services, signed an agreement with Deccan Charters Ltd. of Bangalore for its Mumbai facility to serve as an authorized Customer Service Center to support Sikorsky S-76 helicopters.

Source: Sikorsky