US gets its first upgraded Sikorsky S-61
Hartford, December 3rd 2010
A unit of Sikorsky Aircaft has delivered to the U.S. State Department the first in a batch of upgraded S-61 helicopters, the civilian version of Sikorsky's military Sea King.
Sikorsky Aerospace Services in Shelton said three more S-61s are due for delivery by yearend, along with 13 more next year.
They are among up to as many as 110 of the helicopters the state department wants for ferrying able-bodied and sick passengers, as well as for global relief missions. The value of these orders and the full contract has not been publicly disclosed.
The upgrades include composite main rotors, cockpit improvements to reduce pilot fatigue and improve safety, and enhancements that make the aircraft easier and cheaper to operate and maintain.
Sikorsky Aircaft is a division of United Technologies Corp. in Hartford.
U.S. gets its first upgraded Sikorsky S-61 | Hartford Business