ORLANDO, Fla., March 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved the VIP Type Certificate
for the S-76D™ helicopter, allowing for operation of the aircraft
in Europe. The announcement was
made at the 2015 Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo
show. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies
Corp. (NYSE:UTX).
EASA signed the certificate on Feb.
25, capping an intensive flight test program to introduce
the S-76D helicopter, Sikorsky's newest commercial product.
"This certification enables our customers in Europe to begin operations using the S-76D
helicopter," said Shane Eddy,
President, Sikorsky Commercial Systems & Services. "The
aircraft already has seen great success in offshore and VIP
operations in Trinidad and Tobago,
Korea and China and has entered
into search and rescue service with the Japan Coast Guard. We have
high expectations for the aircraft's acceptance, performance and
importance to our European customers."
The Federal Aviation Administration approved the Type
Certificate for the baseline S-76D aircraft in October 2012. In the ensuing year, the Sikorsky
Flight Test program expanded certifications. Bristow Group Inc.
took delivery of the first S-76D helicopter in December 2013.
Sikorsky has delivered more than 800 S-76® helicopters to
customers globally since 1979, contributing daily to a growing
6.6-million-plus fleet flight hours total.
The new generation S-76D helicopter, through its application of
modern technologies, is designed to provide a substantial increase
in performance, power and value. The S-76D helicopter's baseline
equipment includes powerful and efficient Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S engines; an advanced
THALES TopDeck® integrated avionics system and four-axis autopilot;
Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) incorporated into fleet
monitoring and analysis; active vibration control; and
all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Connecticut, is a world leader in
aircraft design, manufacture and service. United Technologies
Corp., based in Hartford,
Connecticut, provides high technology products and services
to the building and aerospace and industries.
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SOURCE Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.