Sikorsky and Changhe sign cabin production agreement

Changhe Aircraft Industries of China will produce S-76D helicopter cabins for Sikorsky.

A Sikorsky S-76D helicopter enters final assembly in Coatesville, Pennsylvania.

Sikorsky Aircraft has appointed Changhe Aircraft Industries of China to produce S-76D helicopter cabins after signing an agreement at the 2013 China Helicopter Exposition.

Changhe will now serve as a second source for S-76D cabins – joining the Czech Republic’s Aero Vodochody – with deliveries due to begin in 2016.

Changhe was represented at the Chinese event by chairman Yu Feng while senior vice president of operations, Shane Eddy, represented Sikorsky.

“I am proud to sign this agreement with Changhe Aircraft, which extends our very successful partnership in this strategically important region,” said Eddy. “Over the next 10 years, we see the potential for the civil helicopter fleet in China to quadruple, and we are proud to work with such a trusted and respected company as Changhe to serve this expanding market.”

“Changhe and Sikorsky will further expand the collaboration from S-92 and S-76C++ to S-76D products,” added Yu Feng.