S-76D
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S-76D
I heard a nasty rumor the S-76D may require a major airframe redesign in order to comply with OGP rules. Certification to the latest standards prohibited the old airframe from being used ... presumably due to birdstrike, etc. With the new engines, rotor, and drive system, why not redesign the cabin, too?
Any thoughts or confirmation?
Speaking of OGP ... how long until those rules penetrate the Western Hemisphere?
Tompkins
Any thoughts or confirmation?
Speaking of OGP ... how long until those rules penetrate the Western Hemisphere?
Tompkins
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Is this a surprise?
All the pictures I've seen show a new shape of airframe......and the S-76 was first flown nearly 30 years ago.
Isn't this why they suddenly came up with the C++, as an interim measure, to compete with the AW139 at fairly short notice, after losing the Presidential contract and the Commanche? (Cat, pigeons, 'spect Nick will be along very shortly).
All the pictures I've seen show a new shape of airframe......and the S-76 was first flown nearly 30 years ago.
Isn't this why they suddenly came up with the C++, as an interim measure, to compete with the AW139 at fairly short notice, after losing the Presidential contract and the Commanche? (Cat, pigeons, 'spect Nick will be along very shortly).
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Regarding the 139, I will go on record that it seems to be a fine machine, frankly. The teething problems it has seem monor and easily fixed. It also gives the customers a full choice, with its bold design that eliminates the HV curve at offshore conditions.
The S76D is squarely in he 139's face, for sure. I will bet the guys at Sikorsky have already asked the customers with the checkbooks what they want, and are building same. Fears of not meeting "OGP" rules are foolish, the oil companies are consulted for the design requirements whenever an investment is even considered. I believe that the S76D shares the same fuselage with the A thru C, but there is a window redesign.
The choice customers face is payload and range vs single engine immunity. The short range and high fuel burn of the 139 is dictated by its enormous engines and the weight of its drivetrain, all of which are optimized for engine failure. As I hear it, the 139 is not burning any barns in its sales, perhaps the folks who get paid to carry stuff don't want to pay to fly the drive train of a 21000 lb helo while only carrying the payload of a 12,000 lb one.
Let the customers decide!
The S76D is squarely in he 139's face, for sure. I will bet the guys at Sikorsky have already asked the customers with the checkbooks what they want, and are building same. Fears of not meeting "OGP" rules are foolish, the oil companies are consulted for the design requirements whenever an investment is even considered. I believe that the S76D shares the same fuselage with the A thru C, but there is a window redesign.
The choice customers face is payload and range vs single engine immunity. The short range and high fuel burn of the 139 is dictated by its enormous engines and the weight of its drivetrain, all of which are optimized for engine failure. As I hear it, the 139 is not burning any barns in its sales, perhaps the folks who get paid to carry stuff don't want to pay to fly the drive train of a 21000 lb helo while only carrying the payload of a 12,000 lb one.
Let the customers decide!
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Tompkins says:
"I heard a nasty rumor the S-76D may require a major airframe redesign in order to comply with OGP rules."
This rumor is completely unfounded. The main changes to the S-76D airframe deal with those required for incorporating the new PW210S engine. There are some other minor changes being incorporated on the airframe to make improvements (ie. reduce weight, reduce drag, etc.). The basic airframe is very similar to that we have grown accustomed to. The bottom line, this aircraft will weigh less, have more power, similiar fuel consumption, the latest avionics suite available, along with keeping a proven aircraft design. What's not to like!!! 
Helo Bubba
"I heard a nasty rumor the S-76D may require a major airframe redesign in order to comply with OGP rules."
This rumor is completely unfounded.
The main changes to the S-76D airframe deal with those required for incorporating the new PW210S engine. There are some other minor changes being incorporated on the airframe to make improvements (ie. reduce weight, reduce drag, etc.). The basic airframe is very similar to that we have grown accustomed to. The bottom line, this aircraft will weigh less, have more power, similiar fuel consumption, the latest avionics suite available, along with keeping a proven aircraft design. What's not to like!!! Helo Bubba
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Excellent answer Mr Lappos, it is an interesting trade-off like you say for the 139s single engine ability.
I hear Bell have another 412 version coming out to finally compete with the 76D and 139, called the gen-5 or something and will basically be a 412 SAR machine a-la SAF and Turks. Glass cockpit and T-9 fadecs.
I also heard the 76D does not meet the latest JARs in the same way that the EP also doesnt meet them but the 139 does.
Apparently the oil companies are gagging for another 76 version though.
More anti-bell propaganda from the oil industry (OK just Shell)
I hear Bell have another 412 version coming out to finally compete with the 76D and 139, called the gen-5 or something and will basically be a 412 SAR machine a-la SAF and Turks. Glass cockpit and T-9 fadecs.
I also heard the 76D does not meet the latest JARs in the same way that the EP also doesnt meet them but the 139 does.
Apparently the oil companies are gagging for another 76 version though.
More anti-bell propaganda from the oil industry (OK just Shell)
And look at the changes that result... graft a JAR standard new EC135 nose on a BK117 and visually you appear to have a whole new machine. But you still have the option of 'ignoring' the bits of JAR that might get in the way of the sale, like having to seat everyone in JAR seats if that is operationally awkward.
I would expect that the new S76D will play just that sort of game.
Saves lots of money too.
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While there may still be time to help design the 76D - here's my request. More fuel capacity. 1800lbs of fuel is not enough. With a burn rate of 700lbs or so, minimum 2100 - better yet 2400lbs of fuel.
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My rumor source says "Sorry Nick, same old windows". It's amazing what can be done with paint, though...
Same little birdie tells me there will be a SLIGHT increase in fuel. But just a few gallons.
Bubba's comments are all spot on, fo-shore.
hoss
Same little birdie tells me there will be a SLIGHT increase in fuel. But just a few gallons.
Bubba's comments are all spot on, fo-shore.
hoss
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Originally Posted by HOSS 1
Same little birdie tells me there will be a SLIGHT increase in fuel. But just a few gallons.
Originally Posted by TukTuk BoomBoom
I hear Bell have another 412 version coming out to finally compete with the 76D and 139, called the gen-5 or something
I/C
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There are many incorrect rumors running around here. 
Here are some of the facts:
1) The S-76D program is still on track for certification during the 1Q of 2009.
2) The program has stepped up to the plate to bring the cert basis up to be at least 92% compliant to the latest FAR/JAR amendments (currently working to make this value even higher).
3) The fuel capacity has indeed increased by 15 gals. The S-76D maximum range however will increase to greater than 400nm with the improved fuel consumption that the PW210S engine offers.
4) The PW210S has run in the test cell up to and including max takeoff power. The engine runs great.
I hope this helps to set the record straight.
Helo Bubba
Here are some of the facts:1) The S-76D program is still on track for certification during the 1Q of 2009.
2) The program has stepped up to the plate to bring the cert basis up to be at least 92% compliant to the latest FAR/JAR amendments (currently working to make this value even higher).
3) The fuel capacity has indeed increased by 15 gals. The S-76D maximum range however will increase to greater than 400nm with the improved fuel consumption that the PW210S engine offers.
4) The PW210S has run in the test cell up to and including max takeoff power. The engine runs great.
I hope this helps to set the record straight.
Helo Bubba
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Bubba,
My date was delivery, not cert; your cert date also differs from what I've been told by SAC, but I'll not split hairs.
Now, when's the X2 gonna fly ?
I/C
My date was delivery, not cert; your cert date also differs from what I've been told by SAC, but I'll not split hairs.
Now, when's the X2 gonna fly ?
I/C
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Getting 2100lbs of fuel in a S76 is easy. Just full 'er up from a Jet-A tank chilled to -40C and you will fit 2098lbs in. There is always a way.
Yes, I know....nobody likes a smart-ass.
Yes, I know....nobody likes a smart-ass.