New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS) US aircraft major Sikorsky Friday delivered a mid-sized commercial utility aircraft to the Maharashtra government for transporting senior state leaders and bureaucrats.

“The helicopter’s versatility, reliability, safety and operating cost efficiencies make it ideally suited for transportation of senior leaders, including heads of state,” a Sikorsky statement said.

The S-76C++ joins a growing fleet of Sikorsky helicopters operating in India, including others in the S-76 family of choppers. The Maharashtra government had, earlier this year, shortlisted the helicopter after a detailed and intense technical evaluation process and signed a contract for the delivery of one machine.

“This aircraft is recognized the world over for safety, operational performance, and comfort. The state government has chosen the S-76C++ after an intense and transparent technical evaluation, and it has been customized to meet their requirements of safe and efficient transportation,” said Air Vice Marshal (retd) A.J.S. Walia, Sikorsky executive vice president and regional head (India & South Asia).

Sikorsky’s S-76 helicopters have been operating in a number of mission roles across five continents, under varied climatic and operating conditions. The S-76C++ is the latest in-service model of the fleet and features a number of advanced patented technologies enhancing the safety and comfort of passengers and crew.

Sikorsky is also partnering with Indian industry to address future aviation requirements and thereby helping to boost the indigenous industry. Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, in collaboration with Sikorsky is manufacturing cabins for its state of the art S-92 helicopter.

Sikorsky’s S-76 family has over 800 helicopters flying worldwide and has accumulated more than 5 million fleet hours. The S-76C++ helicopter is used in various roles, be it executive transportation, offshore oil worker transport, search and rescue, or medical evacuation.