S-76 Rebirth

Stephen Pope

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 03:53 AM ET

Verified

Sikorsky S-76D Sikorsky

Key Takeaways:

The Sikorsky S-76D is a significant upgrade to the long-standing S-76 helicopter series, introducing major advancements to ensure its continued relevance.
Key technological enhancements include a Thales TopDeck all-glass avionics suite, new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S engines, and innovative composite main rotor blades.
These improvements deliver better performance, fuel efficiency, and operational capabilities in various environments, while also significantly reducing noise and incorporating rotor icing protection.
Despite development delays, the S-76D is on track for FAA certification by the end of 2011 and is positioned to be a strong contender in the corporate, offshore oil, and emergency services markets with significant pre-orders.

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(March 2011) — As an icy wind whipped from the Hudson River and buffeted the heliport’s aluminum chain-link fence with an unrelenting ferocity, settling into the cockpit of a Sikorsky S-76 instead of some lesser machine made me stop and appreciate the size and power of one of the best-selling helicopters of all time.

“I’m a strong swimmer and might make it back to dry land,” said the S-76 captain buckling in beside me, “but I doubt you could.”