Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced today at the China Helicopter Exposition that it has delivered six S-76D helicopters to the China Ministry of Transport (MOT) for Search and Rescue Operations (SAR), further enhancing the MOT’s maritime capabilities. The MOT’s S-76D helicopter fleet is on track to include a total of eight S-76D aircraft by the end of the year. Sikorsky AircraftCorp. is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

In December 2012, the China MOT purchased four S-76D SAR helicopters, and then contracted for four additional aircraft of the same model in July 2013. The latest SAR contract is the fifth that China’s MOT has awarded to Sikorsky for the S-76® series of helicopters since 2000. When these eight aircraft are delivered, the MOT will operate a fleet of16 S-76 helicopters, which have formed the foundation of China’s aerial SAR capabilities for maritime operations.

“We have been operating the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter for more than a decade and have saved many lives with these helicopters,” said Capt. Pan Wei, Chief Engineer, Bureau of Rescue and Salvage, Ministry of Transport. “The addition of the S-6D to our fleet will enhance our operational capabilities