Sikorsky S-76D Helicopter Enters Final Assembly

 

 
 
NEWSROOM
 
 
  Bookmark and Share
 
 
 
 

Sikorsky S-76D Helicopter Enters Final Assembly

By Jim Douglas
 

December 10, 2010 - Final assembly production of the S-76D helicopter has commenced at Sikorsky Global Helicopters’ manufacturing facility, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced, marking a significant milestone in delivering the next generation of the popular S-76 helicopter.  Aero Vodochody in the Czech Republic, which has produced more than 250 S-76 airframes for Sikorsky, is manufacturing the S-76D fuselages.

On Nov. 19, Aero Vodochody delivered the first production fuselage to Sikorsky Global Helicopters for final assembly operations. The fully assembled fuselage arrived with all electrical and cockpit systems having passed acceptance tests. “We are a ‘go’ for final assembly and completions,” said Tim Fox, S-76 senior program manager.

“This is a major achievement toward delivery in 2012.” Sikorsky Global Helicopters will install Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S engines, blades, and gearboxes during final assembly, followed by acceptance flight tests and customer completions. Delivery of the first aircraft to the launch customer is slated for 2012. 

In November, the S-76D helicopter program entered into certification flight status at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. This is the final phase of the test program that provides critical data for FAA sea-level certification, expected by Q4 2011. Two prototype aircraft are in flight status, with a third scheduled to join the fleet early next year. All three prototypes were manufactured at the Sikorsky Global Helicopters facility. 

“Sikorsky’s Coatesville facility provides superb completion and customization of Sikorsky helicopter models,” said Sikorsky Global Helicopters Vice President Ed Beyer. “Now, we have further enhanced our operations to prepare for the task ahead  delivering a world-class multi-role aircraft to a global fleet.

"As we focus on the production of the S-76D helicopter, we will transition from the S-76C++™ aircraft to the S-76D helicopter, continuing our legacy of performance and reliability in the medium-size market to deliver the most technologically advanced and efficient helicopter in its class.” The new generation S-76D helicopter will perform an array of civil missions including executive transport, offshore oil, emergency medical services, and a multi-mission role.

 
   

Among the S-76D helicopter’s features are all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades; an advanced THALES integrated avionics system and autopilot; dual rotor speed for quiet mode operation with active vibration control; powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S engines; a quiet mode; and an optional Rotor Ice Protection System (RIPS) for all-weather capability. 

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
Other News Stories
 

 

 
 
Home Aviation News Aviation Stories Of Interest FAA Exam Upcoming Events Links To Other Sites General Aviation Helicopters Medical Factors Facing Pilots
Maintenance and Aircraft Mechanics Hot Air Balloon Aviation Training Handbooks Read Online Aviation History Legal Issues In Aviation Sea Planes Editorials
 
 ©AvStop Online Magazine                                                                 Contact Us                                                  Return To News                                          Bookmark and Share
 

 

AvStop Aviation News and Resource Online Magazine

Grab this Headline Animator