Third test aircraft joins Sikorsky S-76D programme

“D3,” the third prototype, recently flew for the first time, officially taking its place in the flight test programme to serve as the primary vehicle to certify the avionics and electrical systems. The S-76D helicopter flight test programme has achieved more than 500 flight hours to-date with its first two prototypes.

“As the flight test program has grown, we have offered customers the opportunity to fly in the aircraft,” said Tim Fox, senior programme manager on the S-76 helicopter program. “The S-76D helicopter offers a 14% increase in takeoff power and an 8% fuel efficiency over its predecessor. It is a difference the customers have noticed.”

The S-76D also will be fully certified for flight into known icing – a first for the S-76® helicopter family.

“We continue to build on the outstanding legacy of safety and performance of the S-76 product family as we mature the S-76D through test. We are confident that the ‘D’ will be a strong competitor in its class when it enters into service next year,” Fox added.

The S-76D helicopter programme officially launched in 2005 after an 18-month period of study to identify the key attributes that customers wanted in a new product. “Enhanced safety, avionics and performance were the big requests,” Fox said.