Sikorsky S-76B

[munzieb]

Sikorsky S-76B

Sikorsky had a long history of military and utility helicopters and the dual engine S-76 was their initial entry into the executive helicopter market based on their success with the Black Hawk helicopter UH-60. Their objective was to enter the inner City, point-to-point, EMS and utility transport, especially for off shore oil rig personnel. The first “A” models went into operation in 1977 and had a capacity of up to 13 passengers but most executive models are configured for 5-6 seats with a crew of 2. The aircraft has gone through many model upgrades (A, B, C, C++, D) also with various engines to improve noise reduction, performance and extended distance. The B model operated dual Pratt & Whitney PT-6 engines similar to the ones use on several corporate and commuter turboprop aircraft.

In a previous life I had a lot exposure to this aircraft. My company did a lot of avionics upgrade to these aircraft to include radars, radios, navigations/gps systems, inflight phones and entertainment systems. United Technology had a service center close to where I lived and I would spec out work packages and went on many test flights. I had fond memories of S-76B N500WK. It was managed by Wayfarer Ketch Corp and owned by David Rockefeller and our company had quoted a major avionics upgrade package that needed to be inspected at our facility in NH before the work could be started. It was about an hour flight up and back to MHT from POU. It was a great flying over western Connecticut, Mass and southern NH. Weather was perfect. A few weeks later we started the project. Great memory.

Th plaque is 15 x 10 1/8” BBPW with ¼” backer, Finish shellac with Gloss lacquer.

[wombatie]

Wow,great work Bernd. 

Marg

[TAIrving]

Very nice Bernd!  Great detail work.  Some of that looks quite delicate.  

[munzieb]

Cutting the landing gear and window frames were definitely a little iffy. I used a Sharks tooth 0/3 puzzle blade. They make a very fine cut but break alot. 

[daveww1]

awesome job

[Scrappile]

Looks great, Bernd.  I am very fond of Helicopters As I think every VN vet is.  The Huey was not a luxury copter, but it was a workhorse and the pilots were real heroes.  I guess Hueys were made by Bell.  Anyway you did a beautiful picture and thanks for the added info of that helicopter.

[munzieb]

I like cutting the wood but I enjoy fleshing out the back story.

[rjweb]

Beautiful job, RJ