THE IMPROVED Sikorsky S-76C+ helicopter is on schedule for certification in November.
A test-bed aircraft is being flown by Turbomeca with the up-rated, digitally controlled Arriel 2S1 engines planned for the C+ helicopter. It underwent a 150h endurance test in August.
Certification flight-testing is to begin soon at Turbomeca's base in France and at Sikorsky's West Palm Beach, Florida, flight-test centre. Aircraft and engine will be certificated to both US and European airworthiness requirements.
The S-76C+ will be equipped with a second-generation integrated instrument-display system (IIDS) now under development. The system, produced by Parker-Hannifan's Gull Electronic Systems division, consists of three liquid-crystal displays in the cockpit and a remote data processor.
It offers higher reliability and a lower weight than the Rogerson Kratos IIDS now available in the S-76. Certification of the IIDS is planned for the middle of 1996.
Source: Flight International
