Sikorsky has announced one of its largest civil helicopter sales in recent years with the signature of a deal with Offshore Logistics for up to 39 S-76C+ helicopters. The manufacturer at the same time has committed to making improvements to the 15-seat helicopter, but stops short of a mooted avionics upgrade.
The Louisiana-based company has ordered 15 S-76C+s, the equivalent of year's production at Sikorsky, for delivery over the next five years. The New York-listed operator has taken options on another 24 helicopters. Offshore Logistics is the world's largest provider of offshore oil and gas helicopter support with a fleet of 428 aircraft, including 43 S-76s and 21 Sikorsky S-61s.
Wholly owned subsidiary Air Logistics will take the first three S-76C+s and half the overall order to bolster its Gulf of Mexico operation. The remaining helicopters will support Air Logistics' other operations including Alaska, as well as Bristow Helicopters and other worldwide affiliates.
Several of the new helicopters will incorporate the uprated Turbomeca 2S2 turboshaft due to enter service in 2005. Sikorsky has announced additional improvements to be introduced on the helicopter at the same time, including a quiet tail rotor with improved aerofoil and swept tip and flush fasteners, a lower noise transmission and rotor de-icing capability.
Source: Flight International
