A great pity that the powers that be in all branches of the Thai military do not subscribe to this sensible method. Google some of the branches and look at the diverse range of all aircraft that they operate.

Hahahahahaha........um, where does one even attempt to start answering this VERY timely question???

The ACs may have to be removed so the payload will match the C++........

Truth is Lockheed is trying to get rid of the parked D models by organizing raffles.
At least one of the launch customers has returned them and handed over the keys and are now flying the AW139.

It's an old tart in a new dress.

In terms of the old tart in a new dress, I think the dress on C+ was a major improvement on C, and C++ refined it a little more. I never understood what Sikorsky were trying to achieve with the D, particularly if pitching it to offshore customers. More power is always good, but does the fancy avionics package in D get you around the patch any faster or safer than C++? Just trying to understand why an operator might decide to upgrade a C++ fleet to D, particularly with AW139 being an alternative in the market.
Esso Australia have just upgraded from six S76C to four AW139. Which is an upgrade equation I can understand. And the Macau operation changed from S76C+ to AW139, I can understand that also. But if C++ is your starting point I don't understand why you might want to change those for a D.

Could be because TAS could not buy new C++´s , The C++´s they are flying now belong to CHC and now TAS will ( do) own there own D models.


Also as stated earlier they preferred to stay with one aircraft manufacturer, Sikorsky ( Lockheed Martin) for there fleet of S92A and S76D models.

If you look at the ease of maintenance on a 76 to a 139, and the cost of maintenance on a 139 (ask anyone who works on both) then the 76 starts to look like the better option for a very busy offshore operator. I wouldnt be surprised if these become some of the highest time S76D in the world very quickly and i'm sure there'll be feedback soon.

Lately that old paint scheme just represents, lack of strategic planning and vision, general collapse, and execs absconding with millions. Massive re-branding is in order to 'run away' from the past as soon as possible. :ugh::uhoh::eek: The outfit that made out like a bandit was LENOVO...

Nice pics - March Calendar?

Methinx that may be on the cards....