First production Sikorsky S-76D enters final assembly

Sikorsky helicopters have started on the first final assembly of the new
S-76D at the Sikorsky Global Helicopters manufacturing facility in Coatesville,
Pennsylvania.

Aero Vodochody in the Czech
Republic are
manufacturing the S-76D fuselage and in November the first fully fitted
fuselage was delivered. The fully fitted fuselage has all electrical and
cockpit systems already fitted and passed before being shipped to Sikorsky. The
first production S-76D is expected to be delivered in 2012.

Currently, the two proto-type S-76D are undergoing certification testing
with flights tests and the granting of the certificate in the fourth quarter of
2011. A third S-76D will join the test programme next year.