Thu, Dec 15, 2011
EASA Validation Expected In 2012
Sikorsky has achieved another significant milestone in its S-76D
helicopter program as the FAA recently certified the Pratt &
Whitney Canada PW210S engines that will be installed in Sikorsky's
new S-76D helicopter. The engine certification issued on December 5
signifies that the PW210S engine meets the requirements of Part
21.29 of the FAA regulations. A Part 21.29 type certificate is
required for products manufactured in a foreign country or
jurisdiction with which the United States has an agreement for the
acceptance for import into the United States. This latest type
certification follows the issuance of a Type Certificate E-36 on
the engines by Transport Canada on October 14.
Pratt & Whitney Canada has completed more than 10,000 hours
of testing of the engine in test cells and flight tests. "The FAA
validation of the engines is yet another important milestone in the
development of the S-76D helicopter. With any development program,
there are challenges, and the program team has faced every
challenge with a robust process of the highest standards to ensure
that this engine will be ready to enter service and to meet the
needs of our customers," said Tim Fox, S-76 helicopter Senior
Program Manager.
Sikorsky expects to receive EASA validation of the Canadian Type
Certificate in the coming months, Fox said. Delivery of the first
aircraft to the launch customer is slated for 2012. Currently,
Sikorsky is testing three prototype S-76D helicopters in test
flights. Two additional prototypes are expected to join the program
in early 2012 as the program drives toward full type certification
and additional certifications for cold weather and Rotor Ice
Protection System (RIPS) performance.
"It has been a noteworthy year of development on the S-76D
helicopter with final assembly operations in our Coatesville,
Pennsylvania fully supporting the 'D' completions and our West Palm
Beach flight test center flying the prototypes to their fullest. We
are looking to another important year ahead with the certifications
to come and eventually seeing the S-76D helicopter delivered to our
customers, and on a larger scale, being introduced to the world,"
said Dan Hunter, Director of Commercial Programs for Sikorsky
Global Helicopters.
The new generation S-76D helicopter will perform an array of
civil missions including executive transport, offshore oil,
emergency medical services, and a multi-mission role. (Image
provided by Sikorsky)
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