Tue, Apr 10, 2007
Passes Wintery Tests, And Then Some
Aero-News learned Tuesday the Federal Aviation Administration
has certified the Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopter for operation in
falling and blowing snow.
The FAA test requires the aircraft spend 20 minutes on the
ground with the rotor turning during blustery snowfall, five
minutes in low altitude hover in a recirculating snow cloud and one
hour of level flight. A flight test team from Sikorsky's West Palm
Beach, FL and Stratford, CT facilities conducted tests in January
in Marquette, MI to collect data supporting the certification.
"The S-76 helicopter team significantly exceeded the FAA test
requirements and demonstrated that the barrier filter design can
operate safely in severe snow conditions," said Eric Hansen, S-76
Program manager. "The S-76 C++ has been performing well for our
customers and this new expansion of the aircraft's envelope means
it has even greater capabilities."
The S-76 line of multi-mission medium helicopters serves a
variety of roles including offshore oil, executive transport, and
airlines. The S-76C++ helicopter currently in production was first
announced in February 2005 as a series of enhancements to the
aircraft including engine, air vehicle, interior and avionics
upgrades.
Among the product improvements made available at that time were
a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2S2 Engine, an inlet barrier
filter to protect the engine against erosion and environmental
contaminants, a new VIP interior, new optional Health and Usage
Monitoring System and a quiet main gearbox, that significantly
reduces interior noise levels without any weight or maintenance
penalties.
First introduced in 1977, more than 650 S-76 helicopters have
been delivered, and to date have accumulated more than 4.3 million
flight hours with 220 operators in 59 countries.
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