PARIS---Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation today announced that the fifth production S-76C+ airframe has been received from its new supplier, Aero Vodochody, as part of the manufacturing process restructuring that began in 2000. The aircraft's fuselage is completely assembled in the Czech Republic.
Meanwhile, Sikorsky delivered another two S-76C+ aircraft from its new Completion Center partner, Keystone Helicopter Corporation, in West Chester, Pa. One of these aircraft was delivered to a customer in Turkey, and the other to Northeast U.S. corporate customer.
"Our alliances with Aero Vodochody and Keystone take advantage of proven, high quality sources in the aerospace industry 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 worldwide 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 has completed Final Assembly, where the engines, transmissions and rotor systems were installed.
After flight acceptance in Stratford, each aircraft receives an FAA Standard Airworthiness Certificate and is flown to Keystone. 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 manufactures detail parts and fuselage assemblies for the S-76C+ aircraft.
Composite parts are 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. The 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 primary current product is 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. The FAA also awarded Keystone Designated Alteration Station status. 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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Sikorsky S-76C+ Airframes Received from Aero Vodochody
