![helicopter airfoil helicopter airfoil](http://www.copters.com/aero/pictures/Fig_2-37.gif)
Helijet International was recognized in February 2012 as the operator of the world’s highest flight time Sikorsky S-76® airframe an S-76A™ helicopter (Serial Number 760074) with 37,025 flight hours. Several airlines operate the S-76A on scheduled services including Helijet International of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. A closed course 500 km (311 mi) speed record was set at 214.8 mph. In 1982 this model set 12 world records for speed and time to climb in its weight class. The first production variant was the S-76A. The name Spirit was officially dropped by the company on Octodue to unanticipated complications when Spirit was translated into certain foreign languages. The prototype first flew on March 13, 1977. The design accommodates 2 pilots and 12 passengers, to accommodate an oil rig crew change, and was initially powered by two Allison 250 C30 turboshaft engines of 650 shp (Takeoff Power) each. Sikorsky's development of the UH-60 Black Hawk served as the basis for the S-74, which was later re-designated the S-76 Spirit in honor of the U.S. The S-76 was designed to replace small business jets for short to medium business trips. The executive transport version was designed with a quiet cabin which would provide a work environment during flight and allow conversations without the need for headsets. The sleek lines of the S-76 combined with significant advancements in rotor technologies and with improved engine fuel consumption, resulted in a helicopter having excellent efficiency. The S-76 was announced at The HAA (now HAI) Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada in February 1975.
![helicopter airfoil helicopter airfoil](https://www.flight-mechanic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/3-83.gif)
The Sikorsky S-76® is an intermediate class twin engine commercial helicopter powered by two turboshaft engines, which drive both the main and tail rotors, each with four blades. The UTTAS elastomeric main rotor head design as well as the cross beam bearingless tail rotor design was also applied to the S-76. In particular, the rotor blade aerodynamic and structural features including blade airfoil, twist, swept tip and titanium spar were all embodied in the S-76. The technology basis for the S-76 was the Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) that had been awarded to Sikorsky in 1972. Funding for its design, development and certification was provided from company sources. Its intended missions included the transport of workers to and from offshore oil rigs in a 12 passenger version and transport of business executives in a 6 passenger VIP version. The S-76 was launched in the 1975 timeframe as the first Sikorsky model to be designed for commercial rather than military missions in order to increase the commercial portion of the company's business.