Aircrafttotal Encyclopedia


General information
Type	Utility helicopter
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Sikorsky Aircraft

The S-76 was developed during the mid-1970s, originally being designated S-74 but renamed in honor of the U.S. Bicentennial. Drawing upon its recently-developed S-70 helicopter, it features twin turboshaft engines, four-bladed main and tail rotors, and retractable landing gear. On 13 March 1977, the prototype performed its maiden flight. The initial production variant was the S-76A, the first deliveries of which took place on 27 February 1979. Several improved models were produced over time, including the S-76 Mk II launched in 1982, and the S-76B in 1987. Development of the S-76D was particularly troubled, being delayed by four years of delays due to flight envelope issues; it was finally certified for operation on 12 October 2012.

The Sikorsky S-76 is a medium-size commercial utility helicopter designed and produced by the American helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft. It is the company's first helicopter specifically developed for the civilian market.

Howard Sikorsky helicopters MD

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
Sikorsky S-76 Spirit
commercial utility helicopter

General Info

Crew: two
Capacity: 13 passengers
Length: 52 ft 6 in (16 m) from tip of main rotor to tip of tail rotor
Width: 10 ft 0 in (3.05 m) at horizontal stabilizer
Height: 14 ft 6 in (4.42 m) to tip of tail rotor)

Powerplant

Empty weight: 7,005 lb (3,177 kg) in utility configuration
Gross weight: 11,700 lb (5,306 kg)
Fuel capacity: 281 US gallons (1,064 liters), with 50 or 102 US gallons (189 or 386 liters) available in extra auxiliary tanks
Powerplant: 2 × Turbomeca Arriel 2S2 turboshaft, 922 shp (688 kW) each

Specifications

Maximum speed: 155 kn (178 mph, 287 km/h) at maximum takeoff weight at sea level in standard atmospheric conditions
Cruise speed: 155 kn (178 mph, 287 km/h) maximum cruise speed is the same as maximum speed
Range: 411 nmi (473 mi, 761 km) no reserves, at long-range cruise speed at 4,000 ft altitude
Service ceiling: 13,800 ft (4,200 m)

Armament

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

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Links to Youtube & Others

The rate of manufacturing noticeably declined during the 2010s; only a dozen S-76s were delivered between 2016 and 2020. During September 2013, it was announced that the Chinese manufacturer Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation had been contracted to produce the S-76D airframe. By 2022 April, in excess of 875 S-76s had reportedly been built.

Sikorsky S-76 utility helicopter

Development of the follow-on S-76D was subject to four years of delays due to technical problems

Youtube Link

Early on in its commercial career, the S-76 became popular for offshore operations, such as to oil rigs. Numerous operators have either purchased or leased the type specifically to operate in this sector

Sikorsky
Sikorsky S-76 Spirit
utility helicopter
First flight 13 March 1977
Produced 1977–present

Sikorsky S-76 Spirit
Utility helicopter

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History Sikorsky
Sikorsky S-76 is a medium-size
commercial utility helicopter
First flight 13 March 1977, Status In service, Produced 1977–present

Design

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Sikorsky S-76 is a medium-size
commercial utility helicopter