Japan Coast Guard to operate Sikorsky S-76D helicopters for SAR missions

Mitsubishi has agreed to acquire 11 S-76D helicopters from Sikorsky Aircraft to boost the Japan Coast Guard’s (JCG) search and rescue (SAR) operations capability.

Announced at the ongoing Paris Air Show 2013, the aircraft were ordered in three contracts that were finalised by the companies between February 2012 and March 2013.

Sikorsky Sales, Asia vice president Christophe Nurit said, "We are honored that JCG has chosen our most advanced S-76D helicopter variant for this critical life-saving mission."

Designed for safety, reliability and efficiency, the FAA certified S-76D helicopter will comprise a fully coupled four-axis SAR autopilot to reduce pilot workload and enhance overall mission safety for the JCG.

The S-76D helicopter will also be integrated with all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades, a fully integrated Thales glass cockpit, health and usage monitoring system and active vibration control system.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S engines with dual FADEC, a controlled engine, the aircraft provides enhanced payload and range benefits.

Additional features of the S-76D helicopter includes quiet tail rotor for reduced external acoustic signature, Honeywell Primus 660 weather radar, Thales TopDeck avionics system, Collins Pro Line 21 communication/navigation radio suite and traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS1).

The first S-76D helicopter is expected to enter operation service for JCG in 2014.