S-76 Features 'Small Improvements'
While Major Changes Wait in Wings

Sikorsky comes to Heli-Expo (Booth 1177) still celebrating the recent order from China's Ministry of Communications for two 12-passenger S-76 C+ helicopters outfitted for search and rescue missions.

"The order is very significant in that China plans a network of coastguard and disaster relief aircraft. These are just the first two; they could need up to 20," Sikorsky VP for civil programs Tommy Thomason told Show News.

And 20 helicopters is significant when one considers Sikorsky delivered just 10 S-76s last year as fuselage production was moved to Aero Vodochody in the Czech Republic and completions to Keystone Helicopter in West Chester, PA. Plans call for 12 deliveries this year,

and a ramping up to a more normal 15-20 a year from 2002. The moves will allow Sikorsky to focus on its core skills and improving the S-76, leaving customization to others.

Recent highlights for the S-76 include certification of a Honeywell ground proximity warning system, the first time a GPWS will be offered as standard on a helicopter, Thomason believes. The GPWS, which "sees" power lines and towers (as long as they are marked on the sectional map) can be displayed on the EFIS, on the radar display or with an aural warning. Price: under $100,000, and retrofitable.

"TCAS was a significant confidence builder, and this is the terrain equivalent," Thomason said.

While many small improvements have been incorporated on the latest S-76s (such as improved main wheels and brakes), more dramatic upgrades will not be announced here at Heli-Expo.

"The goal is to make the aircraft as reliable and durable as possible," explained Thomason. So while the S-76C+, with two Turbomeca Arriel 2S1 engines, continues to sell well, "looks great, and has the lowest direct operating costs in its class," there will be no S-76D.

However, Sikorsky continues to study a slew of possible "next model" features, such as:

• A new, slower-turning and quieter tail rotor;
• Honeywell Primus Epic integrated glass cockpit "from the business jet world" including differential GPS approach to hover;
• More powerful versions of the Arriel engines;
• A menu of improvements to reduce interior noise;
• De-icing equipment;
• Modifying operating techniques to reduce the noise signature.

Thomason continues to push S-76s for airline service and search and rescue missions, believing that every one sold could turn into an order for a 19-passenger S-92 down the road. Of the three deliveries so far this year, two were VIP and one was for Japan's Toho Air Service.