Prototype Completes 30 Minute First Flight

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation announced Monday it recently completed the first flight of its S-76D helicopter, the latest version of the S-76 line. Company test pilots maneuvered the prototype aircraft through taxi, hover, hover turns, and forward flight to 40 knots in a test flight that lasted approximately 30 minutes.

Sikorsky Chief Test Pilot Greg Barnes and Pilot Mike Hardy conducted the test flight at Sikorsky's Florida facility on February 7. The milestone culminated more than three years of design, development and testing of the first prototype aircraft.

"The next generation of the S-76 helicopter begins today," said Jason Durno, Program Manager. "The S-76D helicopter brings Sikorsky's popular S-76 aircraft to the next level in performance. It is through the dedication of this program team that the 'D' will open the door to new applications for this aircraft model."

Among the enhancements on the S-76D include all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades; an advanced Thales avionics system and autopilot; dual speed rotor with active vibration control; dual Pratt & Whitney 210S engines; a "quiet mode" for operations in congested public areas; and an optional Rotor Ice Protection System (RIPS) for all-weather capability.

Sikorsky says the S-76D helicopter also will offer an increase in useful load and extended range performance versus the S-76C+ and S-76C++ aircraft currently fielded.

The S-76D helicopter is scheduled to enter production with certification, and customer deliveries in 2010. Sikorsky already has approximately 100 delivery position agreements on the aircraft.

FMI: www.sikorsky.com