Fully integrated Thales cockpit offers increased functionality in new Sikorsky S-76D helicopter

The Thales TopDeck® avionics suite to be installed in Sikorsky's new S-76D™ helicopter will offer new "click to fly" ability based on a concept that has never been installed on a helicopter before: the Icube-S concept of Intuitivity, Interactivity, Integration and Safety. The S-76D helicopter is the newest model in the popular S-76® helicopter series manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.

TopDeck is an integrated modular avionics suite in a glass cockpit derived from the latest technology.

"The key to enhancing safety is to optimize the crew's cognitive workload, particularly during complex tasks," said Yves Joannic, VP Helicopter Avionics activities of Thales Group. "TopDeck allows a pilot flying the S-76D helicopter to directly control cockpit tasks on his displays using an intuitive Cursor Control Device (iCCD). This iCCD – the first of its kind on a helicopter – puts all the functions at the pilot's fingertips, thus reducing workload, shortening reaction time and increasing safety."

The increased reliability and safety delivered in the Thales cockpit on the S-76D helicopter builds upon the well established safety and reliability record of the S-76 helicopter series. Several variations of the TopDeck avionics are currently flying onboard the AgustaWestland A109, Boeing's Chinook, and the ATR72 from the ATR consortium.

In addition to the advanced Thales integrated avionics system and autopilot, the S-76D helicopter's features include all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades; an industry leading external acoustic signature, health and usage monitoring system, active vibration control; powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S engines as standard equipment; and an optional Rotor Ice Protection System (RIPS) for all-weather capability.

"Throughout our test flight program, the S-76D helicopter prototypes have performed exceptionally well, with a smoothness and ease of flight that our customers have consistently expressed great excitement over," said Dan Hunter, Sikorsky Global Helicopter's Director of Programs. "Our partnership with Thales on this element of the aircraft's development has been very successful in leveraging the inherent scalability of the TopDeck suite and further enhancing its functional content. As with all of our products, we expect to continue to add functionality as missions expand and the marketplace demands new capabilities."

Over the last several months, Sikorsky has offered customers an opportunity to fly the prototype S-76D aircraft. Greg Barnes, S-76D Chief Program Pilot, said those who have flown it cited the aircraft's power and performance, but also marveled at the automatic flight control system and interactivity. "The S-76D will offer a multitude of new capabilities in an intuitive, interactive cockpit that is very user friendly. In essence, it is a comprehensive cockpit that is not complex to operate. These features will be especially valuable to operators flying in demanding offshore oil or emergency medical missions."

Delivery of the first aircraft to the launch customer is slated for 2012.

The new generation S-76D helicopter will perform an array of civil missions including executive transport, offshore oil, emergency medical services, and a multi-mission role.