On the subject of that S-76 takeoff, I'd like to poll the crowd on another "max performance" takeoff issue. I've met some proponents of a rather rapid power pull, vs a smoother, continuous pull into takeoff power. The argument being that the rapid pull can give you a higher vertical velocity vector and get you into a safe regime of flight faster.
I prefer the smoother pull because, in my experience anyway, the rapid pull tends to lead to a more unstable takeoff in which you lose a significant amount of what you gain, with a greater tendency to overtorque (esp due to tail rotor inputs). Any preferences, and arguments for one or the other that I maybe haven't considered?
Thanks again everyone! Interesting stuff all around.