OVER two million lives have been saved worldwide with the use of Sikorsky helicopters and the contribution from humanitarian work by the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) was highlighted in the leading aircraft corporation's "Legacy of Heroes" tour.
To commemorate the vision of its founder, Igor Sikorsky, the "Legacy of Heroes" tour is a recognition of the people and organisations, referred to as first respondents, from around the world who use Sikorsky aircrafts in life-saving missions.
In an exclusive interview with The Brunei Times, a representative from Sikorsky lauded the RBAirF post-tsunami mission in Aceh in 2005, stating that the use of its Black Hawk helicopters in their humanitarian work was a source of pride for both the Bruneian and American organisations.
"When they deployed for three weeks to give humanitarian aid and disaster relief, it was the farthest that a helicopter from the RBAirF had ever flown from Brunei. It was momentous for them. In those three weeks, it flew more hours than any other aircraft in similar time periods," said Linda Scott.
"Anyone who knows anything about aircraft maintenance in a disaster zone, flying that kind of hours away from your support network is impressive for the crew and maintainers. Everyone on the mission should be incredibly proud. I'm glad that our aircraft was involved," she continued.
When asked about the recent contract with Sikorsky to provide a fleet of S-70i Black Hawk helicopters for the RBAirF, the Sikorsky representative stated her belief that the model is the best aircraft for RBAirF's mission as outlined in their operational requirements.
"What a great thing for Brunei to have the most proven and modern helicopter of its class and, as a small country in the Southeast Asian region, to show that they're procuring advance technology: a sophisticated aircraft. I think that's got to be exciting for the country," Scott remarked.
The S-70i Black Hawk, the 'i' denoting its international version of the model, was created due to growing demand particularly outside the US. With three million flight hours and present in 37 countries around the world, the Black Hawk is the most proven military aircraft, said Scott.
She anticipates that the longstanding relationship between Sikorsky and the RBAirF will continue with the procurement of the new Black Hawk helicopters.The Brunei Times
(Top) Maj (U) Mohd Eswandy Hj Junaidi signs the S-92 aircraft used in the "Legacy of Heroes" tour. (Center) Participants during the "Legacy of Heroes" tour's pitstop in Brunei were treated to a ride on the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter. Present at the ceremony was the Director of CSTRAD Colonel (L) Muzri Mokhsin (2nd R), Deputy Commander of RBAirF Col (U) Ali Sabar (3rd R) and Sikorsky representative Linda Scott (4th R). (Above) The S-92 helicopter was chosen for the 'Legacy of Heroes' tour to symbolise the other Sikorsky aircraft models. Pictures: Courtesy of Sikorsky
Monday, December 19, 2011
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