Sikorsky’s S-76D helicopter enters production

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation has entered production of the S-76D, the next-generation, medium-twin helicopter, at the facility of Aero Vodochody in the Czech Republic.

Sikorsky S-76D helicopter photo

The S-76D is the latest version of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation’s popular model, the S-76 helicopter.

In a statement, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation – the company that designs and manufacturers advanced helicopters for commercial, industrial and military use – said the first production airframe of the S-76D helicopter (serial number 761004) will be shipped to the firm’s facility in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, the United States, for final assembly in April 2010.

At present, the S-76D is undergoing certification flight-testing at West Palm Beach, Florida, the United States.

Subsequent airframes of the S-76D will be shipped from Aero Vodochody at the rate of one helicopter a month as production goes up, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, based in Stratford, Connecticut, the United States, said in a statement.

Deliveries to customer are scheduled to start in 2011.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation, based in Hartford, Connecticut, the United States,

Most of the manufacture of the S-76D – including the engines, avionics, airframe, and tail pylon – is outsourced.

Tim Fox, the S-76D helicopter’s programme manager, said in the statement that it took a “tremendous amount” of coordination, team-work and dedication within the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation and also with key suppliers to “reach this important milestone” in the S-76D helicopter programme.

The production of the S-76D helicopter has been supported by over 30 main suppliers.

According to Tim Fox, the features of the Sikorsky 76D helicopter include

all-composite, flaw-tolerant, 4-blade main rotor system; an optional Rotor Ice Protection System (RIPS) for all-weather capability; an advanced Thales avionics system and autopilot; dual-speed rotor with active vibration control; powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S turboshaft engines; and a quiet mode for enhanced public acceptance.

The S-76D helicopter, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation added, also provides an increase in useful load as also in extended range performance, as against the current S-76C+ and S-76C++ aircraft models.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation says it is a global leader in design, manufacture and service of helicopters and as well as offers a wide range of high-technology products and support-services to the industries involved in aerospace and building systems.

Meanwhile, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation has delivered the first two S-434 training/utility helicopters – both to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior (MOI).

The S-434 helicopter, which is an improved version of the S-333, incorporates the 4-blade rotor system and other advances from the unmanned Fire Scout Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation explained in the statement that the 2 military S-434 helicopters that it delivered to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior were the first of such helicopters delivered by the company and that these are not subject to the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification.

The company says it expects the FAA’s certification for the S-434 helicopter in 2010.