To Ppruners, thanks for all the kind words! We are setting up the production line in Bridgeport, virtually next doo to the factory where the first R-4's were built. The first customer delivery will be in March of 2004, with rate production deliveries.
Donut, you can borrow the keys, but bring it back full of gas, please!
Lu, it is a Sikorsky, so you would recognize it instantly. Our reps are getting trained early next year, and we will support it with electronic data exchange with the factory thru the HUMS/HOMP which will talk to us each night. It is the first web helicopter.
Special 25, the first deliveries are to offshore folks, and they should be in service by spring of 04, after some training for the crews. Flight Safety in West Palm Beach is making the sim, which should be ready next year. Sim training for flight crews is part of the package.
Heedm, email me about the CYOD thing, OK? Isn't there a "Warm Lake" we could go to??
Crab, 30 is the right number, everything else is already set, equipment wise. But the color(??) we were thinking of something in a nice mauve to go with the carpets.....
Tudor, the feeling is one of relief, pride (and wonder that we did it on time!) It was the fastest, cleanest certification anyone at Sikorsky can remember. The first certification data flight was made last December, the FAA got on board in September, and we were done with all flights exactly one year later, Dec 12. The data was all processed in real time, so the FAA was ready to sign on Dec 17 (Wright Brothers day!) so they did. Not a bad data point in the thousands taken.
Lots of work next year for the environmental certifications (the preliminary tests were done in the past, so we have good confidence the certs will be quick) Cold at Fairbanks, Snow in the NE US, Altitude in Colorado, HIRF in Pax River, MD, De-ice in NE US and Eastern Canada. Hook, Hoist, Floats, and equipment at West Palm Beach.