Sikorsky S-76D Helicopter Goes Into Production

By Craig Taylor

December 18, 2009

The first S-76D helicopter airframe has entered production on the assembly line at Aero Vodochody in the Czech Republic in preparation for the customer deliveries planned to begin in 2011. The new airframe had its fuselage joined and then entered its final assembly at Aero. The fuselage is scheduled to depart from Aero in April 2010 for delivery to Sikorsky Global Helicopters facility in Coatesville, Penn., where final assembly and completion of the S-76D helicopters will take place.

"It has taken a tremendous amount of coordination, teamwork and dedication to reach this important milestone in the S-76D helicopter program, both within Sikorsky's operations and with many key suppliers who have contributed to the program," said Tim Fox, S-76D helicopter program manager. "Today we can say we are manufacturing S-76D aircraft, and we are truly excited about it."

Sikorsky will receive S-76D helicopter fuselages at an initial rate of one per month, beginning with the first fuselage due in April 2010. Full S-76D helicopter production rates are expected to be achieved in 2011.

More than 30 key suppliers support the S-76D helicopter production effort. "These suppliers are committed to the program and are working collaboratively towards the delivery of the aircraft. With the airframe originating in the Czech Republic, the engines in Canada, avionics in France, and tail pylon in Turkey, to name a few components, the S-76D helicopter is truly a world citizen supported by world-class suppliers," Fox said.

Among the S-76D helicopter's features are all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades; an advanced Thales avionics system and autopilot; dual speed rotor with active vibration control; powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S engines; a quiet mode for enhanced public acceptance; and an optional Rotor Ice Protection System (RIPS) for all-weather capability.