From a Sikorsky statement:
Sikorsky Global Helicopters, a business unit of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., has delivered a new VIP S-76C++™ helicopter to the Royal Travel Office for use by the Royal Household of the United Kingdom. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.
Sikorsky has provided helicopters to support the Royal Family since the early 1950's, including the R4, S-51, S-55, S-58, S-58T, S-76B and the S-76C+ helicopters. The new S76C++ helicopter entered service in September.
"The new S76C++ helicopter will continue to provide the Royal Family with a high quality and efficient helicopter travel service," said Captain Christopher Pittaway, Manager and Chief Pilot of The Queen's Helicopter Flight. "It most closely meets the mission requirements by providing a quiet and comfortable cabin environment, low carbon footprint and best value for money. We have enjoyed excellent product support from Sikorsky over many years and I look forward to a continued relationship."
Carey Bond, President, Sikorsky Global Helicopters, said: "The S-76C++ helicopter has distinguished itself by its quality, safety, performance and style as an aircraft of choice for VVIP transport. We are honored that the Royal Family and so many others entrust their safety and comfort to us."
The S-76C++ helicopter features engine, air vehicle, interior and avionics upgrades. These include a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2S2 Engine, an inlet barrier filter to protect the engine against erosion and environmental contaminants, a new VIP interior, a new optional Health and Usage Monitoring System and a quiet main gearbox using Quiet Zone™ technology that significantly reduces interior noise levels without any weight maintenance penalties.
The S-76® helicopter serves a multi-mission role that includes offshore oil transport, VIP transport, including head of state, emergency medical transport, search and rescue and civil defense. The S-76C++ helicopter was initially certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in January 2006. More recently, it was certified for unconstrained operations in extreme snowy conditions. The European Aviation Safety Agency certified the type design in July 2006, allowing for the export of the S-76C++ helicopter to all European Union countries.
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