Helipro has begun final assembly of the first S-61 Short conversion of the Sikorsky S-61N helicopter to be destined for use on offshore-oil support. A heavylift S-61 Short, which is used mainly for logging work, is already available. The company has delivered six aircraft and has one more on order.
The S-61 Short has received US Federal Aviation Administration and Transport Canada approval for external load and public-transport use, and the Washington-based company is pushing for sales from unnamed offshore operators.
"Several major commercial-helicopter companies have expressed serious interest in the S-61 Short and they are now marketing it to the oil companies," says Helipro technical director Hugh Whitfield. The offshore S-61 has a new rear-cabin cargo door, an external rescue hoist and an underfloor baggage compartment. An enhanced avionics package is available as an option.
The oil-support version of the helicopter is scheduled to have its maiden flight in October and is expected to enter service in the second half of 1998.
Meanwhile, Helipro subsidiary Helipro Completions has moved into the Bell helicopter repair and completion business in Houston, Texas, following the acquisition of Transtar Aviation Services' assets on 1 July.
The company has been granted FAA approval to perform repair and completion services on Bell helicopters ranging from the 204 to the 407 and 412. The centre will serve customers in the southern USA and in Latin America.
Source: Flight International
