-Aircraft Proves Reliable Since 2007 Introduction to U.K. SAR Market-
FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW, July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky
Aircraft's Search-and-Rescue (SAR)-configured S-92(R) helicopter has logged
more than 150 rescues in the challenging topography of the North Sea and
North Atlantic since being introduced into service by the United Kingdom
Maritime and Coastguard Agency under the operation of CHC Helicopter Corp.,
Sikorsky announced today at the Farnborough International Air Show.
Sikorsky, based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a subsidiary of United
Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060403/SIKORSKYLOGO)
Sikorsky initially developed the uniquely capable helicopter for over-
water search and rescue for one of the most demanding and challenging
environments ever, the North Sea and North Atlantic, and introduced the
dedicated SAR S-92 helicopter in March 2007.
"The SAR S-92 helicopter follows in the tradition of Sikorsky's history
of search and rescue efforts, both military and civil. After more than
100,000 flight hours by the S-92 helicopter fleet, the aircraft has
demonstrated itself to be a safe, reliable and cost-efficient platform,
ideally suited for long-range transport missions in all weather," said Marc
Poland, Sikorsky Vice President, Commercial Programs.
The SAR S-92 helicopters have supported rescues from mountains and
cliffs, and provided assistance to vessels in trouble to rescuing crews.
One such incident led to the rescue of 14 fishermen from the vessel
Spinningdale in February this year, in which the vessel ran aground at St.
Kilda. The vessel was lashed by high winds and heavy seas as it sat
stranded on rocky, cliff- facing terrain until the SAR S-92 helicopter crew
reached it to retrieve the men amid gusting 70-knot winds.
"CHC has had success with Sikorsky helicopters and the St. Kilda rescue
was strong evidence of the capabilities of the SAR S-92 helicopter," said
Sylvain Allard, President and CEO of CHC. "Similarly, the other rescues
conducted with this aircraft have been in locations that are extreme; when
called upon, the aircraft and crews have responded with exemplary
performance and professionalism, and this helicopter has been a valuable
tool for those missions."
Ian McLuskie, Search and Rescue Manager with CHC, said, "The waters
covered by the northern MCA bases feature a diverse range of commercial
maritime activities, ranging from fishing and large-scale cargo movements
to offshore oil and gas production. The new aircraft were brought into
operation to take the service into a new technology-led era, and have
already proved their capabilities in providing an effective service to
those who need it."
The S-92 is the first helicopter in the world certified to the latest
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and European Joint airworthiness
safety standards. The S-92 features a Rotor Ice Protection System (RIPS),
which allows the aircraft to operate in known icing conditions. RIPS has
been certified by both North American and European aviation authorities and
is available on S-92 military variants as well as commercial aircraft. EASA
certification was issued in April for an IAFS equipped aircraft, which is
currently in commercial operation.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a world
leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. The company's mission
statement reflects its long commitment to safety and innovation: "We
pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere ... every
time(TM)." United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., USA,
provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to
the aerospace and building systems industries.
SOURCE Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
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Related links:
http://www.sikorsky.com
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AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
Paul Jackson, +1-203-386-7143, or Mobile:
+1-860-614-3899, or Paul.Jackson@sikorsky.com; or Marianne
Heffernan, +1-203-386-4373, or Mobile: +1-203-583-9760, or
mheffernan@sikorsky.com, both of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
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