Legacy of heroes helicopter in city
HYDERABAD: The Sikorsky S-92 helicopter landed in Hyderabad on Monday as part of its Legacy of Heroes Tour, which seeks to bring attention to the role of a helicopter in search and rescue operations, as part of the centenary year celebrations of the helicopter. Sikorsky also honoured two children from the state, Shivprasad, 16, and Uday Kiran, 8, who were recipients of last year’s National Bravery Awards, and Group Captain Vinai Rai for their acts of bravery which have helped save lives.
Presenting Sikorsky’s association with Hyderabad, where the company has an ongoing joint venture with Tata to manufacture two helicopter cabins a year for its global market, Air Vice Marshal (retd) Arvind Jeet Singh Walia, executive vice president, India & South Asia, Sikorsky, said that the company had recorded over 2 million lives saved globally since the inception of the helicopter and the tour was all about bringing to light the machine’s importance in search and rescue operations in today’s world.
Steve Estill, VP, Strategic Partnerships, Sikorsky also hinted that the cabin manufacturing plant located in Hyd might increase its production from 2-3 cabins annually due to demand.
The Hyderabad division of United Way, which is partnering Sikorsky in the Indian leg of the world tour, has selected a few underprivileged children who will be taken on board the helicopter at the Begumpet Airport and shown flying demonstrations on Tuesday.