ISTANBUL, Turkey –
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced it has delivered the first of two VIP S-92® helicopters to the Turkish National Police (TNP) for service to the Turkish Prime Ministry, under a contract signed in 2011. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
The new helicopters will support the Head of State function currently served by one S-92 helicopter operated by the TNP since 2005.
The two S-92 helicopters will join a robust fleet of more than 140 Sikorsky products operating in Turkey including well over 100 Black Hawk helicopters. Sikorsky’s medium commercial helicopter, the S-76®, also is operating in country.
“In addition to serving the Armed Forces of Turkey with the most advanced and capable BLACK HAWK helicopters, Sikorsky extends its commercial presence in Turkey through the S-92 helicopter, providing the highest levels of safety, reliability and performance to the highest levels of the Turkish Government,” said Anand Stanley, Sikorsky’s Vice President for the Middle East, Turkey & Africa.
The second S-92 helicopter is also expected to be delivered this year. In addition to Turkey, S-92 helicopters transport the heads of state in nine other countries. This summer, Sikorsky will formally offer the S-92 platform to the U.S. Government, which is seeking to replace the “Marine One” helicopter fleet that transports the President of the United States.
“With such a strong contingent of our products flying in the region, it is clear that Turkey is an important and strategic partner of Sikorsky Aircraft,” Stanley added. “We have continued to increase our presence in Turkey through our relationships with Turkish Aerospace Industries, Alp Aviation and Aselsan, and look forward to exploring continued growth opportunities.”
The S-92 aircraft is the first helicopter in its class certified to the latest U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and European airworthiness safety standards. In addition to the Head of State mission, S-92 helicopters perform search and rescue (SAR) missions as well as a variety of transportation missions for offshore oil and gas crews, utility and airline passengers. Since entering service in September 2004, the S-92 fleet has grown to 170 aircraft. The global fleet has logged more than 530,000 flight hours to date.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.