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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 2011, Keystone / Sikorsky built over 880 S-76 helicopters in various models.
The latest development of the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter is the S-76D. In 2011, with aircraft number 882, the last S-76C++ closed
out that production progam. Full S-76D helicopter production rates are expected to be achieved in 2011. Customer deliveries are scheduled for 2012. |
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On 25 February 2008, the 2007-built Sikorsky S-76C++ c/n 760666 was registered G-CFDV in the UK with Bristow Helicopters Ltd., Aberdeen.
Before the aircraft entered service with Bristow, the Sikorsky was registered N45140 in the US with Air Logistics, New Iberia (LO), USA.
When photographed, the G-CFDV was operated by Bristow out of Den Helder Airport in the Netherlands. |
Luchtvaart déjà vu
