Article Posted on : - Jul 18, 2014

The first S-76D helicopter configured for search and rescue missions. Photo: Sikorsky

FARNBOROUGH (BNS): American aircraft manufacturer Sikorsky has delivered the first S-76D aircraft equipped for search-and-rescue (SAR) services to Mitsubishi Corporation for use by the Japan Coast Guard.

Sikorsky, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., made the announcement at the Farnborough Air Show in Farnborough, United Kingdom.

Mitsubishi Corporation has contracted for 11 S-76D helicopters for use by the Japan Coast Guard, which has a record of flying S-76 aircraft in the SAR configuration and continues to build on its history.

Specifically, the Japan Coast Guard has flown the S-76C, S-76C+ and S-76C++ models.

Among other essential equipment crucial to the SAR mission, the Japan Coast Guard aircraft will feature a fully coupled, four-axis autopilot to reduce pilot workload and enhance overall mission safety.

The new generation S-76D helicopter, through its application of modern technologies, provides a substantial increase in performance, power and authority, the Company said.