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Aviation News Item: 01152
17th Jun 2009
S-76D Flight Test Programme Enters High Gear
Source: fly-corporate.com
 Two more prototypes are poised to join the S-76D helicopter test programme as Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. continues envelope expansion on the newest version of the popular S-76 helicopter.
Since the D1 prototype's first flight on 7 February 2009, the programme has achieved additional 'firsts,' including raising the landing gear and flying at various speeds, conducting manoeuvres, and flying with different loads, as the programme studies the prototype's performance. The new rotor blades have also flown to 155 knots on an S-76C flight test helicopter.
"We are getting ready to transition to a full 'D' aircraft with all components, so the programme is truly reaching a new peak in terms of testing the boundaries of what this aircraft can do," said Jason Durno, S-76D Program Manager.
"We're exceeding our performance predictions," said Mark Miller, Sikorsky Vice President of Research & Engineering. "With the next two prototypes joining the programme, we will be able to accelerate our flight testing to move us closer to completion of the first production aircraft." Aero Vodochody in the Czech Republic is currently building the first production aircraft. It is expected to be delivered to Sikorsky later this year.
The S-76D helicopter is scheduled to enter production with certification, and customer deliveries in 2010. Sikorsky has approximately 100 delivery position agreements on the aircraft.
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