S-76 Helicopter – the practical face of Sikorsky
S-76 Helicopter is a multi functional; multi utility helicopter from the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in the U.S. Launched as far back as 1977 it has 700 helicopters flying for 192 operators in 44 nations though it was primarily developed for CHC Helicopter Corporation, Canada. Certainly the king of practical choppers the S-76 has functioned as executive passenger transport, emergency medical services, and search and rescue operations and even for offshore passenger and material movement. The S-76 can accommodate 14 people including two pilots and has retractable landing gear.
The helicopter also has a large cabin interior, two cockpit doors and cabin doors which have pop-out windows, reduced interior noise and active vibration control system (AVCS). It also features dual comm / nav radios, Honeywell primus climate radar and an automatic track finder. Also available are air data computers and AHRS features in this helicopter. Other facilities like mode C transponder, radio altimeter, dual VORs along with glideslope, cockpit voice recorder and DME.
The S-76 is controlled through two turbo shaft engines of Turbomeca Arriel 2S2 capacity. Each of the engines can generate take-off energy of 688kW. The height and length of the engine are 0.6m and 1.156m respectively. The engine can produce utmost nonstop power of 621kW. The engine is made up of five modules, which makes sure that maintenance is simpler and reduces operating costs. These overall specifications make this S-76, a very powerful and efficient helicopter.
The maiden flight of S-76D was completed in February 2009 which was uneventful and certification is expected in 2010. First delivery of S-76D is expected in late 2010. The revolutions per minute (rpm) of the rotor can be self adjusted according to the preference of the pilot. The higher rpm is applied during take-off and lower rpm setting is applied enhancing cruise range.
