Life in the old girl yet? (S61 merged threads)
Financial news reports:
AP
Sikorsky, Carson to update S-61 helicopters
Tuesday September 30, 1:32 pm ET
Sikorsky, Carson to update S-61 durable helicopter line in service nearly 50 years
STRATFORD, Conn. (AP) -- One of the most durable work horses in helicopter fleets is getting a makeover.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., announced Tuesday an agreement with Carson Helicopters Inc. to modernize the S-61 helicopter, also known as the Sea King.
The S-61 helicopter began flying in 1959, serving in the U.S. Navy, Britain's Royal Navy and other overseas fleets. The more than 1,000 Sea Kings that were produced have flown a combined 3.8 million flight hours, Sikorsky said.
About 620 of the helicopters remain in service in commercial and military markets worldwide.
In the modernization program, the airframe will be extensively refurbished with a new glass cockpit and cargo hook and hoist system. New composite main rotor blades that improve aircraft performance will be used, providing additional lift and speed capabilities.
The upgrades will be done at Sikorsky Aerospace Services in Chase Field, Texas.
Other than Carson which companies are looking at upgraded 61's and for what roles?