Dubai Airshow: Falcon to be World launch customer for Sikorsky S-76D

The new helicopters are scheduled for delivery to FAS starting in 2011. The aircraft will be configured for VIP corporate, helitaxi, and offshore oil and gas support missions.  The S-76D helicopters will become the first Sikorsky aircraft in the FAS fleet, which currently numbers 21 helicopters and five corporate jets.
 
“We are thrilled to become part of the FAS fleet and to have the opportunity to demonstrate the ability of the S-76D helicopter to excel in the Middle East environment,” said Carey Bond, President of Sikorsky Global Helicopters and Chief Marketing Officer at the show today.  “This multi-mission helicopter represents the very latest in the long and highly successful line of S-76® aircraft.”     
 
The S-76D helicopter's features include all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades; an advanced Thales avionics system and autopilot; dual speed rotor with active vibration control; powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada 210S engines; a quiet mode for enhanced public acceptance; and an optional Rotor Ice Protection System (RIPS) for all-weather capability.
 
The S-76D helicopter also will offer an increase in useful load and extended range performance versus the S-76C+TM and S-76C++TM aircraft currently fielded.  The S-76D helicopter completed its first flight on Feb. 7, 2009, and is scheduled to enter production in 2010.   
 
Falcon Aviation Services was formed in early 2006 under the initiative of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan with the prime objective of filling the significant gaps in the aviation market through the provision of innovative products and services.  With its main operating base at Al-Bateen Executive Airport, situated only 10 km from the City Centre of Abu Dhabi.