Hey.Moe,
The Vne is based on the test envelop that we determined based on S-76A power, where Vne was just a bit faster than a fully loaded aircraft would cruise at the old max continious. At light weights, you can easily beat that speed in any model, even the original A. Even so, it really isn't arbitrary (anymore) because it is the limit, based on the flight manual, and also now helps set the component stresses and therefore the lives. The reason it is at those speeds was based on power available, but now is is cast in concrete, and is the basis for a bunch of things, so please observe it properly. Rest assured that an incursion into the red range will not cause any major problem, however.
Barafin,
The 60% is actually much higher than the data we have, but I am reluctant to publish the actual number to preserve the specifics. I am pleasantly surprised at the fact that the S-76 brought its folks home after that!
[ 17 September 2001: Message edited by: Nick Lappos ]