July 2007
Sikorsky has confirmed customer positions for more than 50 S-76DT helicopters, the next production model of the S-76® helicopter, which would result in aircraft deliveries in excess of $500 million if all these are converted to delivery contracts.
"This level of customer commitment to the S-76D reflects both the superior customer service offered by the S-76 helicopter team, as well as the performance enhancements offered by the S-76D configuration," said Mark Hammond, S-76D program manager. The S-76D is on track for initial certification in late 2009.
The S-76D offers a more than 1,000-lb. increase in useful load and extended range performance over the S-76C+TM aircraft currently fielded.
In addition, the D model will feature allcomposite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades; Rotor Ice Protection System (RIPS,) as an available option; advanced Thales avionics system and autopilot; dual speed rotor with active vibration control; Pratt & Whitney 210S engine; quiet tail rotor; additional fuel capacity; new electrical generation system; quiet gearbox; and Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS).
"The S-76 has proven to be a popular, dependable helicopter for our customers on many fronts," said Sikorsky President Jeffrey Pino. "It has continued to evolve in comfort, performance and safety, and the D model will feature state-of-the-art upgrades that will continue to make the S-76 the best value helicopter in its class, balancing speed, range, low operating cost and all-weather performance."
The S-76C++T helicopter currently in production was first announced in February 2005 as a series of engine, air vehicle, interior and avionics upgrades. Among the product improvements made available at that time were a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2S2 engine, an inlet barrier filter to protect the engine against erosion and environmental contaminants, a new VIP interior, new optional Health and Usage Monitoring System and a quiet main gearbox using Quiet ZoneT technology that significantly reduced interior noise levels without any weight maintenance penalties.
More recently, the Federal Aviation Administration certified the S-76C++ for unconstrained operations in extreme snowy conditions.
To date, more than 650 S-76 helicopters have been delivered, serving a multi-mission role that includes offshore oil, VIP including head of state, emergency medical transport, search and rescue and civil defense.
For 2007, S-76 production is on a pace for 46 aircraft, with a backlog that reaches well into 2008. The European Aviation Safety Agency certified the type design in July 2006, paving the way for the export of the C++ to all European Union countries. The Union comprises 25 member states including Poland, Czech Republic, Germany and France. The EASA approval followed FAA certification in January 2006