Sikorsky delivers final two S-76D helicopters to China MoT

Sikorsky S-76D

The Chinese Ministry of Transport (MoT) has accepted delivery of its final two S-76D helicopters. The helicopters were handed over during a ceremony at Sikorsky Aircraft’s commercial helicopter centre.

The MoT’s helicopter fleet, which is the foundation of China’s airborne search and rescue (SAR) maritime operations, now totals 16 S-76 helicopters. Eight of these are S-76D aircraft.

In December 2012, the China MOT purchased four S-76D SAR helicopters, and then in July 2013 contracted for four additional aircraft of the same model.

“We have had a long legacy of success with our S-76 aircraft, resulting in hundreds of lives being saved since 2001.”

Wang Zhenliang, director general, China Rescue & Salvage Bureau, Ministry of Transport said: “We have had a long legacy of success with our S-76 aircraft, resulting in hundreds of lives being saved since 2001. These two S-76D helicopter deliveries mark another significant milestone in our program, providing us with the latest technology and enhancing our capabilities for our search and rescue missions.”

“The search and rescue missions performed by the China MOT fulfils Sikorsky founder Igor Sikorsky’s vision for the helicopter as an instrument for saving lives. “

Shane Eddy, president, Sikorsky Commercial Systems and Services added: “The search and rescue missions performed by the China MOT fulfils Sikorsky founder Igor Sikorsky’s vision for the helicopter as an instrument for saving lives.  We are proud to support the work of the China MOT and its aircrews in using our aircraft to save the lives of so many people.”

Sikorsky has delivered more than 800 S-76 helicopters to customers globally since 1979. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the United Technologies Corp. based in Farmington, Connecticut.