Sikorsky and FlightSafety Continue to Expand Customer Training Programs
HELI-EXPO, Las Vegas, NV – Sikorsky Aircraft and FlightSafety International have jointly announced the development of eight Level-D full flight simulators for Sikorsky’s S-92®, S-76® and S-70i™ helicopter platforms. Currently in production, the simulators will expand access to OEM approved comprehensive aircraft training to Sikorsky customers in the USA, Brazil, Norway and South East Asia. Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS), the company’s aftermarket business, implements and manages all training programs for Sikorsky’s military and commercial platforms. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
“FlightSafety is a company whose name is synonymous with aerospace excellence and shares Sikorsky’s commitment to safety. Our close working relationship ensures that operators benefit from the most up to date, OEM- approved and FAA-certified comprehensive training available today,” said David Adler, SAS President. “We are consolidating our military training (based initially on the BLACK HAWK helicopter platform) at our Sikorsky Training Academy in Oklahoma – scheduled to launch in September. In parallel, we will provide our commercial customers greater access to best in class simulator training at existing and new FlightSafety training centers around the world.”
Based on the agreement, eight new state of the art full flight simulators are being manufactured by FlightSafety. These simulators feature FlightSafety’s latest advances in aircraft fidelity technology which – coupled with OEM aircraft flight and control models – replicate the exact aircraft flight characteristics. The units are also equipped with FlightSafety’s 60” electric motion and control loading technology, and a proprietary rigid mirror display system. The simulators are designed to reduce maintenance requirements, improve reliability and maximize availability.
“FlightSafety will be opening Helicopter Learning Centers in Brazil, Norway and South East Asia to meet the increasing needs of our current and prospective customers. These will complement the training we already offer Sikorsky customers in Florida, Louisiana and the UK. We are committed to providing the highest quality training at conveniently located facilities,” said Bruce Whitman, FlightSafety President and CEO. “Proud to have served as the factory authorized training provider for Sikorsky since 1983, we greatly value the opportunity to support the increasing number of commercial, government, and military organizations worldwide that operate Sikorsky helicopters.”
FlightSafety International is the world’s premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems, and displays, to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides more than a million hours of training each year to pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 154 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world’s largest fleet of advanced full flight simulators at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Japan, South Africa, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
Sikorsky based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. Its SAS business designs and applies advanced logistics and supply chain solutions for commercial rotary, military rotary and fixed wing operators. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide.
Sikorsky Innovations Launches 3rd Entrepreneurial Challenge Competition to Technology, Small Business Enterprises
Stratford, Conn. – Sikorsky Innovations, the technology development organization of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., announced today the launch of its third Entrepreneurial Challenge; a competition to identify and accelerate companies with revenue under $5M, including newly formed and pre-revenue entities, with applications in the rotorcraft market. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).
At HELI-EXPO 2013, the helicopter industry’s premier conference and convention, Sikorsky unveiled its latest set of Challenge Questions that will provide an opportunity for entrepreneurial companies to understand some of the toughest issues facing the vertical flight community and identify their technology as relevant to one of more of these issues. The Entrepreneurial Challenge is designed to open a clear communication pathway between the entrepreneurial community and Sikorsky Innovations, with the goal of increasing opportunities for collaboration and novel technology integration into current and future rotorcraft products.
In addition to the development of future aircraft concepts enhancements to existing platforms and equipment, Sikorsky has expanded the scope of the competition to include companies and businesses that wish to collaborate on the creation of complimentary and transformational products, processes and business concepts as well.
“This competition is targeted not only to small companies that can advance the development of helicopter technologies, but also to businesses that can yield transformational process innovation, and to ventures that can utilize vertical flight in new markets,” said Laurence Vigeant-Langlois, Director of Business Development for Sikorsky Innovations. “Sikorsky just completed a successful first year running its Entrepreneurial Challenge, and looks forward to continuing its journey of partnering with innovators.”
A recent example of Sikorsky’s expanded outreach to companies that offer more complimentary support is the winner of Sikorsky’s most recent Entrepreneurial Challenge, EvoLux Transportation, LLC, a helicopter focused tech-travel company. In its submission, EvoLux proposed the creation of a social media platform that would offer unprecedented connectivity to the VIP helicopter marketplace.
EvoLux joins four other companies that have been awarded recognition as part of the competition since its inception last year. Each winning company receives one year free workspace within Sikorsky’s new Stamford Innovation Center to develop its proposed concept, complete with one year of free access to new Stamford Innovation Center (Stamford iCenter) shared business services, mentoring programs, and education program and events. Winners also participate in a rolling, 3-month long Sikorsky education program, designed to provide both technical and business strategy guidance.
“As Sikorsky Aircraft marks its 90th birthday, it is exciting to think about the collaboration that creates new ventures that can start their 90 year journey, while enabling Sikorsky to remain a cutting edge innovator preparing for its next 90 years,” said Chris Van Buiten, Vice President of Sikorsky Innovations.
Winners will be selected through an application process where they will respond to questions posed by Sikorsky Innovations. Applications will be selected based on business potential, feasibility, value proposition and team expertise. Applications are due to Sikorsky Innovations by 5 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, May 1. Interested parties can learn more about by visiting the challenge’s website at http://goo.gl/BZhsn.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
ASESA and Sikorsky Announce Contract for Six S-76D™ Helicopters
HELI-EXPO, Las Vegas, NV – Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced the signing of a contract with ASESA (Aeroservicios Especializados, S.A. de C.V.), a Mexican helicopter service provider, for the purchase of six S-76D™ helicopters to serve the offshore oil transport mission. Sikorsky, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), announced the sale at the 2013 HELI-EXPO Industry Show.
The sale marks the first time ASESA has purchased a Sikorsky helicopter, and the first sale of an S-76D™ helicopter into Mexico. It continues a sales trend of Sikorsky products into Mexico over the last five years. During that time, the fleet of Sikorsky helicopters operating in Mexico has grown from six to 29 aircraft.
“The S-76 helicopter has been a workhorse in the offshore oil industry, logging more than four million flight hours in its lifetime in offshore oil missions. The S-76D model offers even greater performance capability than its predecessors, and we are extremely proud and thrilled that ASESA has recognized this as they embark on a renewal and expansion of their helicopter fleet,” said Robert Kokorda, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Sikorsky.
“Mexico is an important market for us, as evidenced by the fleet of Sikorsky model aircraft there having grown five fold in the last five years. With PEMEX’s increasing exploration efforts in the Gulf, we expect more and more S-76D’s to be fielded there in the coming years as well,” Kokorda added.
ASESA began leasing S-76C++™ helicopters in 2011.
“We have been pleased with the performance and safety of the S-76 helicopter, and respect the Sikorsky reputation. These factors were significant in our decision to purchase the new S-76D helicopter,” said Humberto Lobo, President of ASESA. “This action improves and enhances the program to develop the Mexican Aeronautical Industry as a strategic provider of products and services with a world class company. We look forward to a long and productive relationship with Sikorsky, one of the best-known helicopter manufacturing companies in the world.”
The S-76D helicopter is the latest in the family of popular S-76® helicopters manufactured by Sikorsky. There have been more than 800 S-76 helicopters delivered to the global fleet since 1979, contributing daily to a growing 6 million-plus flight hours.
Designed for safety, reliability and efficiency, the S-76D helicopter’s standard equipment features are all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades; an advanced THALES integrated avionics system and autopilot; health and usage monitoring system, and active vibration control. The S-76D is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s compact and light-weight PW210S, which delivers the best in class power-to-weight ratio and fuel burn with excellent payload and range benefits. Rotor Ice Protection System for all-weather capability will be available as an option.
Aeroservicios Especializados, S.A. de C.V. (ASESA), a subsidiary of Grupo Lomex is a leading helicopter services Company, operator for the Oil and Gas Industry in Mexico and South America, founded in 1977 working strongly in different markets, mainly with PEMEX, recognized for customer service innovation and superior quality. ASESA has experience with numerous helicopter models and a strong tradition as provider of maintenance services for helicopters in Mexico, with three maintenance centers based in Monterrey, Mexico, and Ciudad del Carmen, which cover all Mexican territory.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
SAS Announces Renewal of Total Assurance Program for Bristow's S-92 Offshore Oil Fleet
Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) announces the signing of a 10-year Total Assurance Program (TAP) agreement with Bristow Group Inc. for continued support of its S-92® helicopter fleet. Bristow is among the leading providers of helicopter services to the worldwide offshore energy industry. Valued at more than $840 million, the agreement is a renewal of a current standing contract that is expiring after a seven-year term. The agreement was reached late in the 4th Quarter 2012 but not publicly announced until today.
“We're very pleased to continue strengthening our longstanding relationship with Bristow. In today’s challenging aviation service industry, this customized support program simplifies management of material logistics, and avoids the uncertainty associated with unpredicted and unbudgeted material costs,” said David Adler, president of Sikorsky Aerospace Services. “SAS helps each customer make the best decision for optimal support and service solutions. Through these types of tailored support programs, operators like Bristow are better able to control their costs and eliminate spikes in their operational expenses."
Available to worldwide commercial and military operators of S-76®, S-92® and S-70™ helicopters, the TAP program is uniquely configured to meet each customer’s requirements. TAP covers up to 98 percent of the cost of parts replacement including airframe, drive train, gearboxes, avionics and consumable parts. Contributing to improved aircraft performance as well as enhanced resale value, the TAP program provides customers with Original Equipment Manufacturer approved parts produced to the latest drawings – backed by Sikorsky’s stringent quality system and worldwide distribution network.
“The strength and trust in our relationship with Sikorsky has allowed this long-term TAP support contract to be executed. This support contract provides us with a competitive cost certainty for the next 10 years with a partner that has proven to be reliable, responsive and flexible in supporting our global operations,” stated Mark Duncan, Senior Vice President, Commercial, for the Bristow Group.
About Bristow Group
Bristow Group Inc. is the leading provider of helicopter services to the worldwide offshore energy industry based on the number of aircraft operated and one of two helicopter service providers to the offshore energy industry with global operations. Bristow has major transportation operations in the North Sea, Nigeria and the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, and in most of the other major offshore oil and gas producing regions of the world, including Alaska, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Russia and Trinidad.
Arkansas Children’s Hospital to Add 2 S-76D Helicopters to Angel One Transport Unit
Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) has signed a contract to purchase two S-76D helicopters for its Angel One® intensive care medical transport unit, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced from the HELI-EXPO.
The new aircraft will replace the two S-76® helicopters already flying the Angel One team as it performs life-saving missions every day throughout the greater Arkansas region. The Sikorsky helicopters have been active since 1992, responding to critical calls to transport infants and young children to the hospital for the unique care it provides.
The Angel One fleet is equipped with dual-litter Lifeport® interiors, including specialty equipment such as ECMO units, blood-bottle hangers and oxygen systems to treat infant and pediatric patients in distress. Each helicopter flies about 900 hours per year.
“When there is an emergency call and a life hangs in the balance, Angel One moves into action. The speed with which we can respond can mean the difference between life and death. With the S-76D helicopter, Angel One has added a critical tool to do an immensely important job. I can tell you that the sound of those rotor blades as the helicopter approaches to pick up a sick child is a sound that many parents tell us they’ll never forget,” said Angel One Director Steve Haemmerle.
Ten years ago, Shari Wells experienced that moment. She had just delivered her first child, Jacob, in her hometown hospital in Searcy when doctors discovered that the baby’s oxygen levels were dangerously low and other issues presented a life-threatening situation. As an Arkansas resident and a nurse, Wells knew that her baby needed to get to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, fast. “I was sitting in the hospital bed and could hear the helicopter landing. I was just shaking because I knew they were coming for my baby,” Wells said.
Today, Jacob is a healthy, energetic 10-year-old boy whose early days spent at Arkansas Children’s Hospital saved his life.
Located in Little Rock, Arkansas Children’s Hospital coordinates with a network of local hospitals that depend on ACH to respond to cases that require an expertise in infant and child medical care. Last year, Angel One’s S-76 helicopters flew more than 1,000 missions, serving a 250-mile radius.
“Sikorsky Aircraft has a history that was founded on the vision of saving lives through the use of a helicopter, because it can perform in ways that no other aircraft can. The work being done by Arkansas Children’s Hospital with Sikorsky helicopters has proven to be a model program in the United States for specialized infant and pediatric medical care, and is a very real example of Igor Sikorsky’s legacy at work every day,” said Robert Kokorda, Sikorsky Vice President of Sales.
“By adding Sikorsky’s newest helicopter, the S-76D, to its fleet, Arkansas Children’s Hospital has given its team a new tool that brings improved speed and performance to the mission, and a greater capacity for continuing to save lives,” Kokorda said.
Sikorsky expects to deliver the new S-76D helicopters to ACH in 2014.
The S-76D helicopter is the latest in the family of popular S-76 helicopters manufactured by Sikorsky. It received Type Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration in October 2012 and is continuing its envelope expansion for additional certifications throughout 2013 and 2014. Customer deliveries are planned for the second quarter of 2013, when the S-76D helicopter officially begins to join the global fleet of S-76® helicopters conducting a variety of missions from VIP to offshore oil transport. The fleet of more than 800 S-76 helicopters has logged more than six million flight hours to date.
Designed for safety, reliability, and efficiency, the S-76D helicopter’s standard equipment features all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades, an advanced THALES integrated avionics system and autopilot, health and usage monitoring system, and active vibration control. The S-76D is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s compact and light-weight PW210S, which delivers the best in class power-to-weight ratio and fuel burn with excellent payload and range benefits. Rotor Ice Protection System for all-weather capability will be available as an option.