Inside The $15 Million Sikorsky S-76D

Inside The $15 Million Sikorsky S-76D Private Helicopter

0:00 - Intro
This is the Sikorsky S-76D, the most luxurious variant in the long and storied lineage of the Sikorsky S-76 family. Here is everything you need to know about the Sikorsky S-76D.

1:30 - Cabin
Stepping inside the Sikorsky S-76D cabin, ease of ingress and egress is facilitated by wide, automated sliding doors. The S-76D boasts a cabin volume of 205 cubic feet or 6 cubic meters. The additional elbow room is immediately noticeable.
In a standard corporate layout, the helicopter offers seating for 6 to 8 passengers. The seats are ergonomically designed with contouring that supports a neutral spine position. Moreover, high-quality leather upholstery and memory foam cushioning add to the overall comfort.
Talking about noise levels, the S-76D employs both active and passive noise reduction techniques, incorporating Quiet Zone technology that ensures the cabin remains at a noise level around 78 to 81 decibels.
Ensuring optimal thermal comfort, the S-76D is outfitted with a state-of-the-art environmental control system.
The S-76D doesn't skimp on amenities either. Built-in work tables, reading lights, and electrical outlets for personal electronic devices cater to the modern passenger's needs. The cabin also features an integrated entertainment system complete with audio and video playback options.
When it comes to connectivity, the S-76D cabin comes with Wi-Fi capabilities. Satellite communication options are also available for those requiring global reach. Conveniently located control panels allow passengers to adjust lighting, climate, and entertainment settings right from their seats. And finally, the S-76D includes ample storage compartments, both within the cabin and in a separate baggage area, capable of accommodating up to 38 cubic feet or 1,076 liters of luggage.

4:21 - Cockpit
Stepping inside the Sikorsky S-76D cockpit, it offers a generous area that provides ample space for pilots to maneuver comfortably. Designed to accommodate two pilots, the cockpit exhibits thoughtful ergonomics, integrating controls and displays in a manner that minimizes pilot workload.
The heart of the cockpit is the Thales TopDeck avionics suite, an integrated system that brings a host of functionalities into a concise, user-friendly interface. Four 8 x 10-inch MFDs serve as the primary interfaces for the avionics system, offer a crystal-clear display, and are customizable.
One of the standout features is the availability of synthetic vision in conjunction with the enhanced vision system.
The FMS is robust and intuitive, and offers capabilities like waypoints & airways planning, performance optimization, and fuel planning.
The aircraft features a 4-axis autopilot and flight director system, which enables pilots to conduct an array of maneuvers.
In terms of communication, the S-76D supports VHF and UHF radio as standard, with options for satellite communications. The Data Link capability facilitates real-time data exchange with ground stations.
The cockpit is equipped with a Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System.
The onboard weather radar and electronic charting system offer real-time weather updates and navigational data.
The aircraft also features a Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorder.

7:06 - Engine, Performance Specs, and Flying Experience
Now, let’s talk about the engine, performance specifications, and how it flies. The Sikorsky S-76D is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S engines with a TBO of 4,000 hours, each producing 1,077 pounds of thrust. These engines employ a dual-channel FADEC system.
The engines allow a maximum rate of climb per minute of 1,500 feet or 460 meters, and a maximum cruising altitude of 15,000 feet or 4,600 meters. With a fuel capacity of around 280 gallons or 1,060 liters, the aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of 155 knots, with an average hourly fuel burn of 85 gallons or 322 liters.
The helicopter has a maximum range of 472 nautical miles, which is 545 miles or 875 kilometers, with a maximum net payload of 2,650 pounds or 1,200 kilograms and a full-fuel payload of 1,400 pounds or 635 kilograms.

8:34 Purchase and Charter Price
The base purchase price for a new Sikorsky S-76D is $15 million before options, and the charter price is estimated at $4,000 to $6,000 per hour. Naturally, prices will vary depending on availability, fuel prices, ground fees, and more.

8:51 - Operating Cost
While the annual fixed cost is roughly $400,000 to $600,000, the average hourly operating cost is estimated at $2,000 to $3,000.

9:03 - Outro

Aviation Base is your favorite source for your daily dose of aviation videos: private jet reviews, as well as private jet interior, both cabin, and cockpit, along with turboprops, commercial planes, and helicopters. We also make videos about private jet charter, private jet price, and private jet cost. Subscribe so you don't miss any videos from us!