ANAHEIM, CA---Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation today announced that the first production S-76C+ airframe has been received from its new supplier, Aero Vodochody, as part of the manufacturing process restructuring that began in 2000.
Meanwhile, Sikorsky delivered the first three new S-76C+ helicopters at the close of 2000 from its new Completion Center partner, Keystone Helicopter Corporation, in West Chester, Pa. Among these on-schedule deliveries was a new aircraft to the flight department of Sikorsky's parent, United Technologies Corporation. Another was for airline operation in Japan, and the third was an executive-configured aircraft for a customer in Turkey.
"Our alliances with Aero Vodochody and Keystone take advantage of proven, high quality sources in the aerospace industry which that will strengthen the S-76 program," said Tommy Thomason, Sikorsky Vice President for Civil Programs. "These events demonstrate the success of our new partnership and the world-wide nature of our business."
Aero Vodochody, in the Czech Republic, was selected in 2000 as a prime supplier of airframe assemblies for new S-76C+ helicopter production. The first production airframe arrived from Europe in January at Sikorsky's main facility in Stratford, Conn., and is in Final Assembly, where the engines, transmissions and rotor systems are being installed.
After flight acceptance in Stratford, the aircraft is to receive an FAA Standard Airworthiness Certificate and will be flown to Keystone. It will be delivered to an international customer in mid-2001.
Aero Vodochody is located near Prague and is owned, by Czech bank Konsolidacni Bank, Letka, a.s., and Boeing Ceska. Boeing Ceska is a joint venture of the Boeing Company and the Czech airline CSA. Under the agreement with Sikorsky, Aero Vodochody will manufacture detail parts and fuselage assemblies for the S-76C+ aircraft.
Composite parts will be manufactured for Aero Vodochody by its supplier, Fischer Advanced Composite Components in Ried, Austria. Aero Vodochody's capabilities and management culture are a perfect match with those of Sikorsky. Boeing Ceska's influence on the use of advanced business systems and lean production concepts perfectly complements Aero Vodochody's culture of craftsmanship and attention to detail in all its work.
The selection of Aero Vodochody culminated a worldwide search by Sikorsky for companies with the complete capabilities and processes necessary to manufacture the S-76 airframe. Besides manufacturing capability, this included the ability to communicate with Sikorsky electronically for the real-time transmission of manufacturing data. Aero VodochodyThe company has all of these capabilities.
Aero Vodochody has been in the aviation business since 1919 and has produced more than 10,000 aircraft. Its current products are the L-159 light attack/trainer jet aircraft for the Czech Air Force.
Likewise, Keystone's selection was based on long experience with the S-76 as a Sikorsky Service Center, and its exceptional technical and engineering capabilities required for options integration. After selection as the S-76 Completion Center, Keystone successfully implemented a facilities expansion to meet the unique requirements for new aircraft deliveries. Keystone was also recently awarded Designated Alteration Station status by the FAA. DAS authorization is granted to only a small number of completion and modification organizations that the FAA recognizes as having the highest standards for ensuring compliance with FAA Airworthiness and Certification requirements.
Operating in 44 countries by 192 operators, more than 500 Sikorsky S-76 helicopters have accumulated over 2.7 million flight hours with an exceptional safety record. The current production model, the S-76C+, has pioneered certification of zero-exposure Category A helideck and confined area ground level procedures made possible by the 30-second power rating of its Turbomeca Arriel 2S1 engines.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacturing and service. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation, of Hartford, Conn., which provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
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1st Production S-76C+ Airframe Received from Aero Vodochody
