Sikorsky flew its S-76D medium-twin helicopter for the first time in February from its West Palm Beach, Florida facility, three years after the airframer began development of the latest S-76 variant. During the 30min flight the latest member of the S-76 line taxied, hovered, made hover turns and achieved a top forward speed of 40kt (75km/h) during the 30min flight. The S-76D features a composite four-blade main rotor system with optional ice protection, Thales avionics and autopilot, a dual-speed rotor with active vibration control and Pratt & Whitney 210S turboshaft engines. Certification and first deliveries of the S-76D - for which Sikorsky has secured around 100 "delivery position agreements" - are scheduled in 2010.
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Source: Flight International
