The Royal Travel Office has brought a new vip S-76C++ into service for use by the UK's Royal family and its household.

Capt Christopher Pittaway, manager and chief pilot of The Queen's Helicopter Flight, says: "The S-76C++ most closely meets the mission requirements by providing a quiet and comfortable cabin environment, low carbon footprint and best value for money." He adds: "It will continue to provide the Royal Family with a high quality and efficient helicopter travel service. We have enjoyed excellent product support from Sikorsky over many years and I look forward to a continued relationship."

The S-76C++ features engine, air vehicle, interior and avionics upgrades, he points out. These include a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2S2 engine, an inlet barrier filter to protect the engine against erosion and environmental contaminants, new vip interior and optional Health and Usage Monitoring System and a quiet main gearbox using Quiet Zone technology that significantly reduces interior noise levels without any weight maintenance penalties.

Carey Bond, president Sikorsky Global Helicopters, says the company has provided helicopters for the Royal family since the early 1950s including the R4, S-51, S-55, S-58, S-58T, S-76B and the S-76C+ helicopters.