HOUSTON, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Evergreen Helicopters, Inc., a subsidiary of Evergreen International Aviation, Inc. has signed contracts for four S-76C++(TM) helicopters, the model of the proven S-76(R) workhorse currently in production. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. .
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The helicopters will serve in a variety of missions including offshore oil, utility, emergency medical service, and search and rescue. The first of these aircraft is slated to be put into service this summer.
Del Smith, owner and founder of the family of Evergreen companies, praised Sikorsky for its integrity, professionalism and commitment to safety. "Evergreen respects Sikorsky and has a long history of working their S-55's, S-58T's, S-61's and S-64's," Smith said.
In addition, Evergreen has position agreements for ten S-76D(TM) helicopters, the next version of the Sikorsky S-76(R) helicopter, currently in development. "Evergreen recognizes that the S-76D is poised to become the premier helicopter of the future for many missions," said Sikorsky President Jeffrey Pino. "We feel the same way at Sikorsky, as do a host of other customers who have placed orders for this model. The S-76D is a 'go' program, and Evergreen is among the first major corporations to request such a large quantity. It is a great testament to the kind of progressive, impressive helicopter we believe the S-76D is destined to become."
The S-76D helicopter is on track for certification in late 2009. The D model will feature: -- All-composite main rotor blades -- Rotor Ice Protection System -- Dual speed rotor with active vibration control -- Pratt & Whitney 210S engine -- Quiet tail rotor -- Additional fuel -- New electrical generation system -- Quiet gearbox -- Health and Usage Monitoring System -- Advanced avionics system and autopilot
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Connecticut, USA, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacturing and service. The company's mission statement reflects its long commitment to safety and innovation: "We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere...every time(TM)." United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, USA, provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
Based in McMinnville, Oregon, Evergreen International Aviation, Inc. is a privately held global aviation services company that is active through several subsidiary companies. These subsidiaries provide services and operate under the Evergreen name including Evergreen International Airlines, Evergreen Helicopters, Evergreen Maintenance Center, Evergreen Aviation Ground Logistic Enterprises, and Evergreen Trade.
This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future business opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: challenges in the design, development, production and support of advanced technologies; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in United Technologies Corporation's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
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