13 December 2019 - Sikorsky donated its S-76 airframe to the American Helicopter Museum and Education Centre where it was given a makeover into its original VIP customer configuration.
The airframe has travelled across the globe during its lifespan on tradeshow assignments. It was also displayed at the educational STEM events. Until recently the S-76 wore a different outer skin and was shown as Sikorsky's Autonomy Research Aircraft, nicknamed SARA.
SARA played an important role to educate people about Sikorsky's autonomy capabilities and MATRIX%u2122 Technology, which will allow pilotless flights.
"We are so proud to support the American Helicopter Museum and Education Centre focused on the rich history of rotary-wing aviation," said Audrey Brady, Vice President, Commercial Systems and Services at Sikorsky in Trumbull, CT. "We have been proud partners with the museum since its inception and hope this addition to their display will further enrich the experience of its visitors and inspire the next generation into STEM careers."
"The S-76 is an exciting addition to our collection of aircraft. It will greatly enhance our ability to educate the public about the many civilian applications helicopters fulfil, and we know that our visitors will enjoy experiencing its superior level of exterior and interior finishes," said Allison Titman, Executive Director of the American Helicopter Museum & Education Centre. "As the home for rotary-wing aviation history, we also look forward to putting this helicopter in context as an example of the ways in which Sikorsky has carried on Igor Sikorsky's legacy as an aviation innovator."
S-76 is finds use not just in transportation, but also utility transport, offshore oil and gas transport, search and rescue and air ambulance missions with more than 7.4 million fleet flight hours.