The Queen IS Amused... By S-76s
It's not the largest contract Sikorsky can claim... but it is,
perhaps, the most prestigious. The Royal Household of the United
Kingdom will continue to use Sikorsky helicopters as its preferred
supplier for the Royal Family’s transportation, the
helicopter manufacturer announced Monday from the Farnborough
International Air Show.
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, scheduled to enter service in August 2009.
The Keeper of the Privy Purse (yes, that is an actual title
-- Ed.) 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 S76C+ has been a great success in providing the Royal
Family with reliable, efficient and comfortable helicopter
travel. Customer support provided by Sikorsky has been
excellent and I am sure that the combination of the upgraded S76C++
and continued high standard of service back-up will provide the
Royal Family with the quality service they require," 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 features engine, air vehicle, interior
and avionics upgrades. These include 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™ technology that significantly
reduces interior noise levels without any weight maintenance
penalties.
The S-76 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.