H-76 Eagle
Sikorsky's commercial line of helicopters includes the commercial S-70 Black Hawk derivative, S-92 Helibus and the S-76. The S-70 Black Hawk derivative is presently in use in the marketplace. The S-92 Helibus is Sikorsky's newest medium lift helicopter. The S-76 is another aircraft, similar to the Black Hawk, developed for the commercial marketplace. Design of the commercial S-76 was begun during 1975, using scaled down rotor and tail components from the S-70 [the commercial version of the UH-60 Black Hawk].
Sikorsky's (S-76) H-76 Eagle was a Sikorsky funded proposal for a utility helicopter that could also be used in the attack role. Technology was based on the UH-60A Black Hawk. It was designed to function as troop carrier, MedEvac, and as an armed tank killer. It could be armed with 7.62mm gun pods, 2.75 inch rocket launchers or Hellfire anti-tank missiles. When equipped with the Hughes M65 mast-mounted sight it was also capable of firing the TOW wire-guided anti-tank missile system. Survivability designed into the H-76 included crew protective armor, redundant systems, and crash-worthy fuel tanks. The H-76 was powered by two Pratt & Whitney of Canada PT6B-36 960 shp engines.
The S-76 has the crisp lines and large, unobstructed cabin of a corporate jet. And speed (up to 178 mph) and range (450+ miles) to match. It features dual digital autopilot. Integrated avionics system. Flight management system. An all-glass cockpit. So you can fly in almost any weather. Composite construction gives the S-76 a light, strong, corrosion resistant airframe, to minimize maintenance and optimize fuel efficiency. Its advanced rotor design and high engine power offer pilots outstanding maneuverability in confined areas. The S-76 can move sideways at 40 mph. Holding a hover even in strong crosswinds. And thanks to low-vibration engineering, an elastomeric rotor system and titanium-spar rotor blades, the S-76 elevates speed and comfort to new levels.
