Comprehensive modifications have been completed to a Sikorsky S-76B for export to Germany's HeliService International GmbH. Originally designed for vip transport missions, the S-76B has been reconfigured and is currently equipped to perform maintenance operations on windmill farms throughout Germany.

The work has been carried out by Sikorsky Aerospace Services' (SAS) commercial maintenance facility in Coatesville, Pennsylvania.

Heliservice says the modifications were completed within four months. "The aircraft customisation included installation of a side sliding door, a Goodrich hoist and complete interior overhaul for 12-person utility capacity with all new interior panels, overhead LED lighting, new seating and floor covering."

It adds: "Air-conditioning was adapted to the new interior along with a belt mount for securing the hoist operator. Other variants of this interior can be installed for a variety of mission profiles; each modification is tailored to specific mission requirements."

Heliservice says that, although founded as a rescue service, it prides itself on carrying out all kinds of helicopter operations. "Our business has developed to increasingly extend beyond the borders of Germany. We work in the polar world of the Arctic and the research stations of the south pole, survey flights along the gas and oil pipelines and the wind power plants in the North Sea. We are also specialists in urban operations."

Clients include the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, the Laeisz shipping company, ADAC Air Rescue Ltd, the Bavarian State Ministry of the Interior and the Hessian Ministry for Youth.

Several complex modifications transformed the vip configured S-76B into an aircraft equipped for completely different applications. Joe Coleman, director of SAS maintenance, repair and overhaul says: "We look forward to continuing to meet customisation requirements for our operators worldwide."