JCB is adding to its S-76 fleet with an order for an S-76C++, shceduled for delivery in September 2006.
This marks the first planned delivery of an S-76C++ into the European market.
Captain Steve Hogarth, JCB Chief of Operations - Aviation says: "The new aircraft will be equipped with the Quiet Main Gearbox and Early Ground Proximately Warning System (EGPWS). We plan on upgrading our current S76C+ in the near future to these improved items as well."
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Sikorksky S-76s have accumulated more than 4 million flight hours, and delivery of the 600th aircraft in the series is scheduled for later this year.
A new S-76D model will launch in 2008 offering additional product improvements including a new composite main rotor blade, new quiet tail rotor, RIPS that will provide ability to launch into known icing conditions, a new cockpit with an integrated avionics system designed to the latest US and European requirements, and a new P&W Canada PW210 engine.