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CHC operates the SAR S-92 helicopters from two bases covering territory inthe North Atlantic and the North Sea. In Stornoway, Western Isles, Scotland,the fleet has conducted 174 rescue missions, while missions flown out ofSumburgh, Shetland Isles, Scotland, have totaled 102 to date. Aircrafttechnical availability at Stornoway has been 98.35 percent; availability atSumburgh, 100 percent, said Ian McLuskie, UK SAR Business Unit Leader, CHCSearch and Rescue.

"The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has seen a 20 percent increase inrescue missions at its bases, which is attributed to the increase in speed andcapability that the S-92 helicopter offers," said McLuskie. "The aircraft'sfully coupled automatic flight control system has been invaluable, and thelarge cabin and tail ramp also have been of great benefit, particularly whenairlifting rescue teams."

Sikorsky initially developed the S-92 helicopter for over-water search andrescue in demanding and challenging environments such as the North Sea andNorth Atlantic, where the MCA is in service.

"Sikorsky has a successful history of search and rescue. The CHC-operatedMCA missions are adding to that legacy," said Marc Poland, Sikorsky VicePresident, Commercial Programs. "The S-92 helicopter fleet today has loggedmore than 120,000 flight hours and in doing so, has shown itself to be a safe,extremely reliable and cost-efficient platform."

The SAR aircraft have conducted rescues from mountains, cliffs, andvessels, rescued divers in difficulty, and extracted complete crews fromstricken vessels. One such incident in February this year led to the rescue of14 fishermen from the vessel Spinningdale, which had run aground at St. Kilda.That rescue, conducted amid gusting 70-knot winds as the vessel sat strandedon rocky, cliff-facing terrain, brought the crew recognition for its braveryand professionalism as it was awarded the Great Scot of the Year Award.

The S-92 is the first helicopter in the world certified to the latest U.S.Federal Aviation Administration and European airworthiness safety standards.The S-92 features a Rotor Ice Protection System (RIPS), which allows theaircraft to operate in known icing conditions. RIPS has been certified by bothNorth American and European aviation authorities and is available on S-92military variants as well as commercial aircraft. EASA certification wasissued in April for an IAFS equipped aircraft, which is currently incommercial operation.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a world leaderin helicopter design, manufacture and service. The company's mission statementreflects its long commitment to safety and innovation: "We pioneer flightsolutions that bring people home everywhere ... every time(TM)." UnitedTechnologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., USA, provides a broad range ofhigh technology products and support services to the aerospace and buildingsystems industries.

SOURCE Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.