China has ordered two Sikorsky S-76C+ helicopters for offshore search and rescue (SAR) missions. The direct commercial sale includes an option for two more aircraft.
The Ministry of Communications will deploy the two S-76s from the Shanghai Salvage &Rescue Bureau's new base, says Sikorsky. The aircraft will be equipped with rescue hoist, forward-looking infra-red sensor, Nightsun searchlight, four-axis auto-hover system, two patient litters and SAR avionics.
Sikorsky says the two-aircraft order is the first step in a major upgrade of China's airborne offshore SAR capability. The S-76 is already operational in China, where six are flown by offshore oil support companies.
The Hong Kong Government Flying Service operates six S-76s, plus three Sikorsky S-70A Black Hawks, on rescue missions.
Source: Flight International
