S-76D SAR Helicopter

The S-76D SAR (Search and Rescue) helicopter can conduct SAR operations within the range of 834km. Copyright Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. All rights reserved.

An S-76D SAR helicopter conducts search and rescue missions. Copyright Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. All rights reserved.

The S-76D SAR helicopter has a maximum speed of 287km/h.

The S-76D SAR (search-and-rescue) helicopter is based on the S-76D helicopter, the latest member in the family of S-76 helicopters produced by Sikorsky Aircraft. The helicopter is intended to perform SAR, homeland security and airborne law enforcement missions.

The S-76D helicopter made its first flight in February 2009. The helicopter received type certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in October 2012.

The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) awarded three contracts for a total of 11 S-76D SAR helicopters between 2012 and 2013. The first helicopter is scheduled to be operational with the JCG in 2014.

China’s Ministry of Transport (MOT) Rescue and Salvage Bureau placed a contract with Sikorsky for four S-76D SAR helicopters in March 2013. The contract also includes an option for four additional helicopters.

S-76D SAR design and dimensions

The composite airframe of the S-76D is constructed with an all-composite main rotor blades and retractable landing gear. The new tail rotor blade design and wing dual speed rotor system meet the quiet-aircraft standard. The main and tail rotors can be optionally equipped with de-icing capabilities.

The helicopter has an overall length of 16m and a height of 2.45m. Its rotor diameter is 13.4m. The maximum takeoff gross weight is 5,306kg. The helicopter can carry a load of 2,037kg.

S-76D SAR cockpit and avionics

The state-of-the-art cockpit of the S-76D accommodates two crew members including a pilot and a co-pilot. The fully-integrated Thales glass cockpit incorporates a redesigned instrument panel combining a Thales TopDeck helicopter avionics suite with four large format liquid crystal displays (LCDs). The cockpit is compatible for Night Vision Goggles (NVG) usage.

The flat panel LCDs can display an altitude indicator, navigation, map, flight characteristics and other functional management factors. The intuitive displays and easy-to-use interface provide better situational awareness for the crew, while reducing workload. The avionics suite also includes a four-axis autopilot, Collins Pro Line 21 dual navigation/communication, Goodrich Vigor health and usage monitoring system (HUMS), and Honeywell Primus 660 weather radar system.

The solid state air data system, employing a dual attitude heading reference system (AHRS) and dual air data computers, provides cockpit data.

The S-76D helicopter is compatible with single or dual pilot instrument flight rule (IFR) operations. The enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS), combines cockpit voice recorder and emergency locator transmitter (ELT) to enhance the safety of the helicopter. The helicopter can be optionally fitted with traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS1).

Cabin of S-76D search and rescue variant

The S-76D helicopter features a large, rectangular cabin providing flexible working space required for search-and-rescue missions. The cabin can be quickly configured to meet the operational requirements of the users. It can be integrated with different seating arrangements to accommodate four to 12 personnel.

The observer’s station installed in the cabin can be manned by a scene manager or SAR crew member to manage the data of the day/night imaging sensors. The sliding cabin doors on either side of the helicopter, and rappelling or fast roping kits allow the rapid ingress of a tactical team as well as retrieval of litter patients with ease.

The large cabin offers sufficient space for the integration of special equipment necessary to perform the mission. The 38ft three baggage compartment aboard the cabin can be modified to meet the customer-specific mission applications.

S-76D SAR Engines

The S-76D SAR helicopter is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S engines equipped with dual full authority digital engine controls (FADEC). Each engine develops a maximum power of 1,070shp.

S-76D performance

The S-76D SAR helicopter can fly at a maximum speed of 287km/h. The maximum certified ceiling of the helicopter is 3,261m. The helicopter can reach a maximum distance of 834km when flying at a long-range cruise speed at 4,000ft altitude.

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