The Sikorsky S-76 is a medium-size commercial utility helicopter designed and produced by the American helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft. It is the company's first helicopter specifically developed for the civilian market.

The S-76 was developed during the mid-1970s, originally being designated S-74 but renamed in honor of the U.S. Bicentennial. Drawing upon its recently-developed S-70 helicopter, it features twin turboshaft engines, four-bladed main and tail rotors, and retractable landing gear. On 13 March 1977, the prototype performed its maiden flight. The initial production variant was the S-76A, the first deliveries of which took place on 27 February 1979. Several improved models were produced over time, including the S-76 Mk II launched in 1982, and the S-76B in 1987. Development of the S-76D was particularly troubled, being delayed by four years due to flight envelope issues; it was finally certified for operation on 12 October 2012.

The S-76 initially encountered strong demand from the off-shore oil drilling industry; later on, demand shifted towards the VIP sector of the market. It performed several noteworthy flights, such as the first circumnavigation of the world in an east-to-west direction by a helicopter, and an autonomous demonstration flight during 2016. Sikorsky also used individual helicopters, often heavily modified for the purpose, for experimental purposes and to support other programmes. Demand for the S-76 waned during the 2010s, as newer helicopters such as the AgustaWestland AW139 proved to be stiff competition. During March 2022, Sikorsky halted new orders for the S-76, but stated that it was looking at opportunities for future overseas manufacturing with foreign partners.

S-76A
Original production version, powered by two 650 shp (480 kW) Rolls-Royce (Allison) 250-C30 turboshaft engines. Large number modified to S-76A+, A++, C, and C+. 284 manufactured.

S-76A Utility
Uttility transport version, equipped with sliding doors and a strengthened floor.

S-76A+
Unsold S-76s were fitted with two Turbomeca Arriel 1S turboshaft engines. 17 manufactured.

S-76A++
S-76 helicopters fitted with two Turbomeca Arriel 1S1 turboshaft engines.

S-76A Mk II
Improved all-weather transport version, fitted with more powerful engines, and other detail improvements.

S-76B
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6B-36A or Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6B-36B turboshaft engines. 101 built.

S-76C
Powered by two 539-kW (981-shp) Turbomeca Arriel 1S1 turboshaft engines. 43 manufactured.

S-76C+
Uprated version, fitted with improved Turbomeca Arriel 2S1 turboshafts with FADEC. 35 manufactured.

S-76C++
Turbomeca Arriel 2S2

S-76D
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S. Also features a Thales Topdeck avionics suite and improved noise signature over all previous variants.

AUH-76 "Dragon Lady"
Armed utility transport version of the S-76 Mk. II. Delivered in 1983 to the Philippine Air Force. Initially armed with two fixed forward firing M134 7.62 mm minigun (one each side) and a 7-round rocket pod on each side and radar altimeters. When M134 became unserviceable, the guns were replaced with M2P Machine Guns.

-

H-76 Eagle
A militarised variant suitable for naval operations, based on the S-76B, it was announced during 1985 but none were ever sold.

-

H.LL.4
Royal Thai Armed Forces designation for the S-76B.

General characteristics

• Crew: two
• Capacity: 13 passengers
• Length: 52 ft 6 in (16 m) from tip of main rotor to tip of tail rotor
• Width: 10 ft 0 in (3.05 m) at horizontal stabilizer
• Height: 14 ft 6 in (4.42 m) to tip of tail rotor
• Empty weight: 7,005 lb (3,177 kg) in utility configuration
• Gross weight: 11,700 lb (5,306 kg)
• Fuel capacity: 281 US gallons (1,064 liters), with 50 or 102 US gallons (189 or 386 liters) available in extra auxiliary tanks
• Powerplant: 2 × Turbomeca Arriel 2S2 turboshaft, 922 shp (688 kW) each
• Main rotor diameter: 44 ft 0 in (13.41 m)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 155 kn (178 mph, 287 km/h) at maximum takeoff weight at sea level in standard atmospheric conditions
• Cruise speed: 155 kn (178 mph, 287 km/h) maximum cruise speed is the same as maximum speed
• Range: 411 nmi (473 mi, 761 km) no reserves, at long-range cruise speed at 4,000 ft altitude
• Service ceiling: 13,800 ft (4,200 m)