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The Sikorsky S-76 Spirit is a twin-engine medium utility helicopter that can accommodate a basic crew of two and
up to 13 passengers. In 1975, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation started with the development of the Sikorsky S76
medium lift helicopter for the offshore/ oil support sector, based on the military S70 Black Hawk program. The
first prototype S-76A, powered by two Allison 250C30S turbo shafts, flew on 13 March 1977. Deliveries of the
production model started in 1979 after FAA certification was awarded in November 1978. 284 Sikorsky S-76A helicopters
were manufactured, a large number were modified to S-76A+. The Sikorsky S-76B with the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6B
engines was flown first on 22 June 1984. Deliveries started in 1987 and the final S-76B was delivered in December 1997,
with 101 S-76Bs built. In June 1989, the Model S-76C, fitted with Turboméca Arriel 1S1 engines, was announced.
The Sikorsky S-76C flew first on 18 May 1990 and FAA certification was achieved in April 1991. The Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopter
is the version currently in production. Its main feature is the Arriel engine, which gives excellent single-engine
performance as well as good range. The S-76 helicopter is mainly used for cargo and passenger transport to oil
platforms, in V.I.P. version and emergency. Until 2010, Keystone / Sikorsky built over 800 S-76 helicopters in various models.
The latest development of the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter is the S-76D. Full S-76D helicopter production rates are expected to be
achieved in 2011. Customer deliveries are scheduled for 2011. |
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In 1986, the Sikorsky S-76B c/n 760320 was registered in Germany with the BGR-Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften
und Rohstoffe. The BGR-Geological Survey F.R.Germany uses the helicopter for survey work. In 2004, when operating on this
job in the Northern part of the Netherlands, Sikorsky S-76B D-HBGR was temporary based at Groningen Airport Eelde. |
Luchtvaart déjà vu
