Sikorsky S-75
| S-75 ACAP | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Sikorsky S-75 ACAP all-composite test aircraft | |
| Role | Experimental helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Sikorsky Aircraft |
| First flight | July 1984 |
| Primary user | United States Army |
| Number built | 2 |
| Developed from | Sikorsky S-76 |
The Sikorsky S-75 was a proof of concept all-composite helicopter. Composite materials were used to replace metal to provide greater strength, lighter weight, lower manufacturing costs, and reduce maintenance costs.
Contents
Design and development
The Sikorsky S-75 was developed under the US Army's Advanced Composite Airframe Program (ACAP), the goal of which was the development of an all-composite helicopter fuselage considerably lighter and less costly to build than predominantly metal airframes in support of the Light Helicopter Experimental (LHX) program.[1][2] In February 1981, contracts were awarded to Sikorsky and Bell Helicopter, with Bell submitting its Model D292. The S-75 flew for the first time in July 1984.
The S-75 mated an entirely new composite airframe with the twin turboshaft engines, transmission, and main and tail rotors of Sikorsky's S-76A civil transport helicopter.[1] The S-75's floors, roof and most exterior surfaces were of more ballistically-resistant Kevlar, while most of the aircraft's basic load-bearing structure was built of graphite or a graphite/epoxy blend. The machine was equipped with specially designed impact-resistant crew and passenger seats and high-strength pneumatic shock absorbers on its fixed tricycle landing gear, in keeping with the Army's requirement that the ACAP aircraft meet or exceed all existing military crashworthiness standards. The aircraft was flown by two pilots, and could carry up to six passengers in the 100-cubic-foot (2.8 m3) rear cabin.
Operational history
The S-75 underwent a 50-hour evaluation by the Army, and was found to have exceeded the weight- and cost-saving criteria set in the original ACAP specification.[1] Sikorsky gained a wealth of data on the fabrication and use of composite airframes through building the S-75, and Sikorsky's later designs incorporated many of its features. Testing of the machine continued through April 1985, after which it was withdrawn from service and placed in long-term storage.
Specifications (S-75)
Data from U.S. Army Aircraft Since 1947,[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Capacity: up to 6 passengers
- Length: 43 ft 8 in (13.31 m)
- Rotor diameter: 44 ft 0 in (13.41 m)
- Height: 13 ft 2 in (4.01 m)
- Empty weight: 6,421 lb (2,895 kg)
- Loaded weight: lb (kg)
- Useful load: lb (kg)
- Max. takeoff weight: 8,470 lb (3,820 kg)
- Powerplant: 2 × Allison 250-C30S turboshafts, 650 hp (485 kW) each
- Propellers: 1 rotor
Performance
- Never exceed speed: knots (mph, km/h)
- Maximum speed: knots (184 mph, 296 km/h)
- Cruise speed: knots (159 mph, 256 km/h)
- Stall speed: knots (mph, km/h)
- Range: nm (398 mi, 640 km)
- Service ceiling: 13,500 ft (6090 m)
See also
- Related development
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
- Related lists
References
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sikorsky helicopters. |
