Sikorsky Aircraft Shows off Comprehensive Product Range in AIREX
Sikorsky Aircraft not only demonstrated its new products but also displayed its S-76 helicopter at AIREX Fair organized in Istanbul on 25-28 September 2014.
Sikorsky Aircraft Vice President and General Manager for Sikorsky Aircraft, Middle East, Turkey and Africa Mr. Anand Stanley and Sikorsky Aircraft representatives made a statement for our magazine at AIREX Fair regarding the new model of S-76 helicopter, M28 aircraft launched newly in Turkey as well as the collaborations and investments in Turkey.
Mr. Anand Stanley, Vice President and General Manager of Sikorsky Aircraft stated that 2014 was exciting and hectic and continued: “Sikorsky signed the Turkish Utility Helicopter program with Turkish authorities. More importantly we are excited that we are launching the S76 and the M28 Platforms at the Istanbul Air Show. Sikorsky is also investing in our customer base by announcing the launching of the partnership with Koçoğlu Skyline as our source center.
Significant cooperation between Sikorsky and Koçoğlu
Sikorsky Aircraft Turkey General Manager Mr. Osman Akyalcin stated that an MoU was signed between Sikorsky and Koçoğlu Skyline for the establishment of a new Sikorsky-authorized S-76 Customer Service Center in Turkey and thus they aimed to further enhance its presence in the region. Akyalçın also expressed that their product range in Turkey would be extended through the new S-76D model.
Mr. Charlie Hayden, Senior Sales Engineer at Sikorsky Aircraft, stated that new S-76 D model could carry more payload with its Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S engines compared to S-76C+ and S-76C++ models and was more cost-effective with its wide range performance. Hayden also said that S-76D model with its pilot-friendly cockpit could increase the flight safety by reducing the workload of pilots.
“Having 16 customer centers worldwide for S-76 helicopters, Sikorsky aims to provide more rapid access to logistic and spare part inventory with the help of a customer service center planned to be opened in Turkey.”
Sikorsky launched M28 Aircraft at AIREX
Mr. Szymon A. Wlodarski, M28 Program Director of PZL Mielec -the company of Sikorsky located in Poland- gave information on fixed wing turboprop engine M28 Aircraft. “M28 aircraft is pretty unique machine, capable of taking off and landing at a very short time at unprepared runways. It can really perform its competitors when it is fully loaded and being very independent in action and operations in remote areas. Mr. Wlodarski said they would like to demonstrate M28 platform at IDEF 2015.
The M28 Model is a twin-engine high-wing cantilever monoplane of all-metal structure, with twin vertical tails and a robust tricycle non-retractable landing gear, featuring a steerable nose wheel to provide for operation from short, unprepared runways where hot or high altitude conditions may exist. M28 is best suited for passenger and/or cargo transportation. M28, which is currently in use in 8 different countries worldwide, distinguishes for its Short Take Off-Landing (STOL) feature on unprepared runways. With full load, M28 can lift off at 365 meters even at unprepared runways such as grass and soil.
M28 can be used at various configurations. Cargo Transport version has a capacity of 2300 kg while Passenger Transport version can carry 19 passengers. Sky Dive/Paradrop version can carry 17 parachutists and their materials and equipment. M28 also performs Ambulance/Medevac, Maritime Patrol/Reconnaissance and Search & Rescue tasks.
