New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS) US helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies, Thursday announced the delivery of an S-76C++ helicopter to the Maharashtra government for VIP air transport.

The S-76C++ aircraft that will be used for transportation of state’s political leadership such as the chief minister and other senior officials joins a growing fleet of Sikorsky helicopters operating in India including other S-76 family of aircraft, the company said in a press release here.

Earlier this year, the Maharashtra government had shortlisted Sikorsky’s S-76C++ helicopter after a detailed and intense technical evaluation process and signed a contract for its delivery.

“The helicopter’s versatility, reliability, safety and operating cost efficiencies make it ideally suited for transportation of senior leaders, including heads of states,” the release said.

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, the company said.

Sikorsky executive vice president and India and South Asia regional head Air Vice Marshal (retd) A.J.S. Walia said: “This aircraft is recognised 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 customised to meet their requirements of safe and efficient transportation.”

“We feel honoured that the S-76C++ helicopter has been chosen by the State Government, and we look forward to addressing transportation requirements of other state governments and corporate customers as well.”

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.

Sikorsky is partnering with local 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 Aircraft Corporation, based in Stratford, Connecticut, US, designs, manufactures, and services a number of helicopters such as S-76, S-92, H-92, Black Hawk and Seahawk helicopters.