Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has announced that the S-76D helicopter has entered into search and rescue (SAR) operations with the Japan Coast Guard. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.
Sikorsky executives recently attended a ceremony with representatives from Mitsubishi Corporation and the Japan Coast Guard in which the aircraft entered into service.
The aircraft was delivered to Mitsubishi in July 2014 and became the first S-76D helicopter configured for search and rescue to be delivered as well as the first S-76D aircraft to enter service in Japan. Sikorsky and Mitsubishi have thus far contracted for 11 S-76D helicopters to be used for SAR missions by the Japan Coast Guard.
“The Japan Coast Guard launching its S-76D helicopter into search and rescue operations is a historic occasion,” said Shane Eddy, president, Sikorsky Commercial Systems & Services. “As we continue to deliver the new multi-mission S-76D helicopter into key market segments, this is the first to enter search and rescue service. At Sikorsky we have a passion and legacy for providing helicopters that save lives, and we are proud to support the Japan Coast Guard and Mitsubishi in this critical mission.”
The Japan Coast Guard has a record of flying S-76 aircraft in the SAR configuration and continues to build on its history. Specifically, the Japan Coast Guard has flown the S-76C, S-76C+ and S-76C++ models.
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.
