J. C. Bamford
Excavators has added to its fleet of Sikorsky S-76 helicopters
with a recent contract signing for an S-76C++. Delivery is
scheduled for September 2006. This transaction marks the first
planned delivery of an S-76C++ into the European market by
Sikorsky.
"Clearly we are very happy to continue our strong association
with Sikorsky," said Captain Steve Hogarth, JCB Chief of Operations
- Aviation.
"JCB is arguably one of the busiest European corporate
helicopter operations. We will put this aircraft into service to
transport our VIP clients throughout Europe. This acquisition will
allow us to continue to support one of our core values: to provide
superior customer care."
He added, "We are particularly looking forward to receiving this
aircraft, which will be equipped with the Quiet Main Gearbox and
Early Ground Proximately Warning System (EGPWS). We plan on
upgrading our current S76C+ in the near future to these improved
items as well."
Sikorsky announced in February 2005 the series of engine, air
vehicle, interior and vionics upgrades that led to the launch of
the S-76C++ helicopter. An additional set of product
improvements was also highlighted for the new S-76D model that will
launch in 2008.
The extensive product upgrades ensure that the S-76C++ and the
future S-76D will remain best-in-class in the corporate VIP,
offshore oil, airline, EMS/ search-and-rescue and law enforcement
segments. Product improvements available immediately on the S-76C++
include a Turbomeca Arriel 2S2 engine upgrade, new VIP interior,
new health and usage monitoring system (HUMS), and new quiet zone
technology™ that will significantly reduce interior
noise level without weight penalty.
The S-76D will build upon the upgrades slated immediately for
the C++ by offering additional product improvements including a new
composite main rotor blade, new quiet tail rotor, a rotorcraft
icing protection system (RIPS) that will provide the ability to
launch into known icing conditions, a new cockpit with an
integrated avionics system designed to the latest U.S. and European
requirements, and a new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210
engine.
The S-76 fleet has accumulated more than 4 million flight hours,
an achievement made possible by the more than 220 operators
currently flying close to 600 aircraft in 60 countries around the
world. Sikorsky is scheduled to deliver the milestone 600th
aircraft in the series later this year.