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 flew on 13 March 1977, powered by two Allison 250C30S turbo shafts. 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. Over 500 Sikorsky S-76 helicopters in various models are built,
including 101 Sikorsky S-76Bs. The S-76 helicopter is mainly used for cargo and passenger transport to oil
platforms, in V.I.P. version and emergency.
In September 1981, the 1980-built Sikorsky S-76A c/n 760093 was registered D-HOSA in Germany with Wiking Helikopter Service GmbH.
On 15 September 1993, the aircraft was registered G-BVCW in the UK as chartered by Brintel Helicopters t/a British International Helicopters.
On 23 December 1994, registration G-BVCW was cancelled and the helicopter returned as D-HOSA in service with Wiking.
Sikorsky D-HOSA is christened "Skua".
Luchtvaart déjà vu
