P&WC engine for Sikorsky's latest offshore helicopter hope gets certification

Pratt & Whitney Canada  received Transport Canada type certification for the PW210S engine, selected by Sikorsky for the S-76D medium-sized helicopter. The  company is targeting corporate, offshore oil, medical, airline and government operators around the world for the new helicopter.

"This is a terrific milestone for this exciting and game-changing helicopter engine programme," said John Saabas, President of P&WC. "The PW210S has been designed to offer the highest power-to-weight ratio and lowest fuel burn in the market, which translates into payload and range benefits for the helicopter. With this key certification, we are now looking forward to moving into the production phase of this program."

The PW210S incorporates the most recent advances in materials and compressor design, including dual-channel FADEC (full-authority digital engine controls) for ease of pilot operation and training, state-of-the-art diagnostics capability, including automatic fractional cycle counting, automated power assurance, unmatched operating economics and rugged design.

Sikorsky is the launch customer for the PW210S, a new-generation engine for large single and intermediate-to-medium twin helicopters in the 1,000 shp class. The Sikorsky's S-76D helicopter achieved first flight on February 7, 2009 and its test flight program is continuing, with helicopter certification scheduled for 2012.

The PW210S is a member of the PW210 engine family and designed to deliver a wide-range of power while delivering P&WC's legendary performance in reliability and durability. "The PW210 demonstrates our firm commitment to developing innovative products designed and built to satisfy customers' ever growing needs and expectations," said Saabas.