Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) signed a deal with Sikorsky Aircraft towards the purchase of 12 S-76DTM helicopters and has taken options to acquire 8 additional S-76D aircraft. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp (USA).
The aircraft will perform security, transport, and other missions. Delivery of the first helicopter is scheduled for early 2012.
“We’re truly honored to work with the MOI and proud to be announcing the largest S-76D fleet order to date,” said Shane Eddy, Vice President of Sikorsky Global Helicopters.
“We appreciate the opportunity to show that the S-76D helicopter will provide the superior performance and capability that the MOI requires and is well-suited for operations throughout the region,” he added.
The S-76D helicopter is the latest model in the highly successful S-76 helicopter line. Sikorsky has produced and delivered nearly 800 S-76 helicopters.
Among the S-76D helicopter’s features are all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades; an advanced Thales avionics system and autopilot; dual rotor speed for quiet mode operation with active vibration control; Pratt & Whitney 210S engines; a quiet mode; 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+TM and S-76C++TM aircraft currently fielded.