MINNEAPOLIS -- In a ceremony today at the Air Medical Transport Conference, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. presented Aero Med Spectrum Health with a model of an S-76 helicopter in recognition of the company's 15 years of transporting patients with Sikorsky helicopters. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.
Aero Med accepted delivery of its new S-76C++ helicopter earlier this year and is exhibiting the aircraft at the AMTC this week. It is the third S-76 helicopter that Aero Med has operated in its long-term relationship with Sikorsky Aircraft. In that time, Aero Med has successfully flown more than 12,500 patients in Sikorsky helicopters. Aero Med, based in Grand Rapids, MI, serves the western half of Michigan.
Aero Med developed a new interior design to fit its mission requirements, said Dr. Ralph Rogers, Program Director for Aero Med. The modified aircraft interior includes a custom Life Port litter system, Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS), and the Health & Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) to improve safety and reliability of operations.
"The S-76C++ was chosen not only for its single-pilot IFR performance, but for the reliability and support that we receive from Sikorsky Aerospace Services to keep these aircraft flying," Rogers said. "Today, we celebrate the success of our relationship with Sikorsky Aircraft, as it is a testament to the good and valuable work being done by Aero Med in flying Sikorsky helicopters."
"The Aero Med transport program is well renowned for its high clinical and operational practices," Sikorsky Vice President of Sales & Marketing Stephen B. Estill said. "Sikorsky is pleased to recognize the accomplishments of the Aero Med team, and wishes it continued success in its new S-76C++ aircraft."
For more information visit www.sikorsky.com.
