Sikorsky's S-76 has proved popular in the medium commercial helicopter market, with more than 800 produced since deliveries began in 1979. Now the company has switched production to the S-76D, its eighth rendition of the proven design. The aircraft received FAA certification in October 2012, and is on track to be accorded Transport Canada certification in April, followed by European and Japanese approval in May. First deliveries are expected by mid-2013. The D model is targeted at the same basic markets as its predecessor-offshore, executive transport, emergency medical service and search-and-rescue. But the aircraft offers some significant improvements over earlier S-76s, based on discussions with owners, pilots and maintainers, says Dan Hunter, director of programs for Sikorsky Global Helicopters, the manufacturer's commercial division.
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