industry insider...please eleborate. What marketplace? What was the window of opportunity that has now closed?

These are Sikorsky's own numbers

http://www.flightglobal.com/assets/g...x?itemid=44192

The table is from an article about the S‑76D in Flight International.

Upgraded S-76
 

I don’t believe that Sikorsky marketing would intentionally publish this chart. These numbers would make it difficult for an operator to justify the increased cost for the newer D. However, the numbers appear to be correct when comparing the information provided in Sikorsky’s marketing brochures for each model. Hover and OEI service ceilings appear to be the only significant performance advantages of the D over the C++. Other improvements are kind of icing on the cake, most of which are standard on the competitor’s newer machines. After all it is still just an upgraded S-76.

Just goes to show what a waste the 76Dog is. And not OGP compliant either.:ugh:

I bet they still sell a couple of hundred SM:ok: Flight Safety are plumbing in the D sim shortly. I am looking forward to flying her! Will not be too long now.

They would have sold more if they had not had the massive failure to achieve certification to schedule. Perhaps the FAA have been tougher on Sikorsky than before.

Having said that they started the D development 10 years too late and the performance is almost perceptibly different from the C++.

Against newer products from EC and AW this will just be a cash drain on a company that otherwise has no civil offerings between the S333 (no exactly selling like hot cakes) and the S92.

The D is one good reason for the removal of Geoff Pino.

What's taking so long in certification? From what I can tell, it's the same airframe, same basic components, same everything except new rotor and new engines?

Yes you're right SM and I don't disagree with any of your words - but the D will be with us soon and customers, mechanics and pilots will be able to share once again in Sikorsky's brilliant engineering. That's another statement up for debate of course, but I'm sure the D will let the ultimately successful 76 sail off happily into the sunset.

Sir Korsky,

Last month on the “working for the big dogs” thread regarding another poster’s possible employment at Sikorsky you wrote…
Today you write…
and
Seems like you’ve had a change of heart!

Look, it's coming so enjoy it. That's the conclusion I have come to. Lucky for you that you have a lot of time on your hands. :ok:

Seems a little harsh on poor old Geoff. Either way ..

UTC names Mike Maurer as president of Sikorsky - Corporate Jet Investor

Ski,

Is GFC another name for the Canadian anti sub S-92 which are years late and they can not fly at night or over water. How many years before they will be allowed to risk a ship by trying to land on it?

TC

Any truth to the rumor that the D got certified on Friday just gone?

Confirmed.

I/C

Hello Sir Korsky,

Sorry about my english but I don't understand : "the D got certified on Friday just gone".

The D has been certified or his certification has been delayed ?
.

HeliHenri

The message says that the S-76D is now certified........ looks like Friday 12 October......

Thank's PANews for the "translation" :)

It's an important (and long awaited) news and there's nothing on the Sikorsy website or in the professional media.
.

S76D
 

It's one thing turning up to the party late but when you turn up with the wrong product it's sad for those that always thought Sikorsky were a dynamic and forward thinking innovator.

G.