Description:
Sikorsky's S-76 is a twin-engine multi-role helicopter developed for the commercial market. It has been designed for corporate, offshore oil, hospital, search and rescue (SAR), airline and government operators. It was made of composite materials to avoid corrosion effects while achieving a light and string airframe. S-76 features ease of maintenance and fuel economy. A dual digital autopilot, integrated avionics, all-glass cockpit and flight management system are among the S-76 family characteristics.
The S-76 helicopters offer enhanced maneuverability thanks to its advanced rotor design and two Turbomeca Arriel 2S1 engines. The same design gives the S-76 aircraft low vibration and improved comfort over its predecessors. As of May 2005, S-76C+ is the production model for the S-76 helicopter. S76C+ combines rugged S-76B airframe with Arriel 2S1 engines while retaining long range cruise of S-76C model. To date, more than 575 S-76 helicopters have been built for 192 operators in 44 countries around the globe.
The S-76C++ is a further S-76C variant featuring improved engines, advanced avionics and a new cabin for VIP transport. Turbomeca Arriel 2S2 engines with Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) have been selected to power this helicopter. More powerful engines will allow to increase the take-off weight by 450-lb. In addition, a new gearbox and other improvements will make the S-76C++ the quietest helicopter with the lower noise levels cabin in the S-76 class.
On 14 June 2005, Offshore Logistics Inc. (OLOG) placed an order for 35 new S-76 helicopters and took purchase rights on additional 24 aircraft. The first aircraft was set for delivery in late 2005. Another 20 were scheduled for delivery in 2006 and 2007 and the balance (14) between 2008 and 2012.
On 1 August 2005, China Eastern General Aviation Corporation (EGAC) ordered two S-76 helicopter to support oil offshore operations in the Bohai Bay areas in northern China.
J. C. Bamford Excavators Ltd. placed an order for an S-76C++ helicopter October 27, 2005. Helicopter delivery was scheduled for September 2006.
On 3 January 2006, Sikorsky Aircraft announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded S-76++ helicopter type certification. As of January 2006 Sikorsky has logged over 60 firm orders for S-76++ aircraft.
On 23 February 2006 LG International signed a pruchase contract for one Sikorsky S-76C++ for VIP transport at the Asian Aerospace 2006. The helicopter was scheduled for delivery in 2007.
On 27 February 2006 Sikorsky announced that US Helicopter Corporation was purchasing four S-76C++ helicopters for an airline service operating between New York and Manhattan. First aircraft delivery was planned for 2007.
On June 29, 2006, Malaysian Helicopter Service (MHS) and Sikorsky Aircraft signed an agreement for the delivery of three new-build S-76C++ helicopters. The helicopters were scheduled for delivery in July 2007. MHS was ordering these aircraft for use in the offshore oil market by Exxon Mobil.
On 17 October 2006, Macau-based Wynn Resorts placed an order for two Sikorsky S-76C++ for VIP transport in the Hong Kong and Macau regions. Deliveries were scheduled fro 2007.
On 17 October 2006, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. signed a contract to provide one S-76C++ helicopter to Aero Med Spectrum Health of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 2, Passengers 13
Dimensions: Height 3.6 m, Length 13.2 m, Main Rotor Diameter 13.4 m, Width 2.1 m
Weights: Max Weight 5,306 kg (11,698 lb), Min Weight 3,731 kg (8,225 lb), Payload 1,575 kg (3,472 lb)
Performance: Ceiling 3,871 m (12,700 ft), Cruise Speed 80 mps (287 kph), Max Range 742 km (401 nm), Top Speed 82 mps (294 kph)
Angola / 3 
Brazil / 3 
Canada
China
France
Honduras
India
Malaysia
Mexico
Philippines
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
South Korea
Spain
Taiwan
Thailand
United Kingdom
United States of America
Aircraft ordered by Bristow Group; Merck; Evergreen Helicopters (4 S-76C++); PHI (6 S-76C++); Boston MedFlight (1 S-76C++)