Thu, Dec 17, 2009
First Airframe Has Entered The Assembly Line In The Czech
Republic
The S-76D helicopter program is entering production, signifying
the latest major milestone in the program that is manufacturing the
next generation model of the popular S-76 helicopter.
The first S-76D helicopter airframe has entered production on
the assembly line at Aero Vodochody (Aero) in the Czech Republic in
preparation for the customer deliveries planned to begin in 2011.
The first S-76D helicopter airframe - serial number 761004 - had
its fuselage joined and then entered final assembly at Aero. The
fuselage is scheduled to depart Aero in April 2010 for delivery to
Sikorsky Global Helicopters facility in Coatesville, PA, where
final assembly and completion of the S-76D helicopters will take
place.
"It has taken a tremendous amount of coordination, teamwork and
dedication to reach this important milestone in the S-76D
helicopter program, both within Sikorsky's operations and with many
key suppliers who have contributed to the program," said Tim Fox,
S-76D helicopter program manager. "Today we can say we are
manufacturing S-76D aircraft, and we are truly excited about
it."
Sikorsky will receive S-76D helicopter fuselages at an initial
rate of one per month, beginning with the first fuselage due in
April 2010. Full S-76D helicopter production rates are expected to
be achieved in 2011.
The S-76D helicopter production effort is supported by more than
30 key suppliers. "These suppliers are committed to the program and
are working collaboratively towards the delivery of the aircraft.
With the airframe originating in the Czech Republic, the engines in
Canada, avionics in France, and tail pylon in Turkey, to name a few
components, the S-76D helicopter is truly a world citizen supported
by world-class suppliers," Fox said.
Among the S-76D helicopter's features are 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. The S-76D
helicopter also will offer an increase in useful load and extended
range performance versus the S-76C+ and S-76C++ aircraft currently
fielded.
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