Sikorsky S-76C

First flying in 1977, the Sikorsky S-76 is a medium-sized utility helicopter for the civilian market that was based on technology developed for the S-70, better known as the UH-60 Blackhawk. Featuring a combined composite and metal structure, the S-76 was designed to provide a rugged commercial helicopter which also met all the requirements for military use should the need arise. Over 875 S-76s have been produced to date and the type has found favour with the VIP and off-shore oil industries, including a pair that have been operated by the King’s Helicopter Flight. In military service, the type has found favour in the Air Ambulance and Search and Rescue roles.

The Spanish Air and Space Force has operated the uprated S-76C version since 1991 both as a SAR helicopter as the HD.24 and as a training helicopter as the HE.24. The HE.24 has recently been retired from the training role after being replaced by the Airbus Helicopters H135 – known as the HE.26. Some of the remaining helicopters have been converted to the HD.24 SAR configuration and have been joined the rest of the fleet which are operated by Ala 49 in Mallorca.

In support of our ‘Eyes in the Skies’ theme, the Spanish Air and Space Force will be sending one of its HD.24 SAR Helicopters for static display at RIAT25. This will be the first time one of these helicopters has appeared at the Air Tattoo.

Photo Credit: Santi Mejorado