Sikorsky S-76A++ - Lone Star Flight Museum

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Changed the way the oil and aviation industry work together.

The S-76 was the first helicopter specifically designed by Sikorsky to meet the needs of the civilian and commercial markets. Seeing there was a growing need to move workers to off-shore oil drilling platforms, the company started work on a medium-sized utility transport helicopter in the mid-1970s.

The new design benefited from the engineering work that Sikorsky did for the U.S. Army’s UH-60 Blackhawk utility helicopter, as it used the same rotor head and rotor blades as the UH-60. Designated S-76 “Spirit” in honor of the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial, it made its first flight in March of 1977. In 1982, the S-76 set 12 world records for range, speed, ceiling and rate of climb for its class of helicopters.

First deliveries to customers started in 1979 and the S-76 proved that Sikorsky understood the market well. It has remained in production for over 39 years. A versatile aircraft, the S-76 has been produced in ten commercial variants and one military version, being outfitted for passenger transport, for search and rescue and as air ambulances. Although it was designed as a civilian helicopter, the S-76 also operates with the military forces of 15 countries around the world, many of which carry heads of state on official business. Probably the most famous of these are the two S-76s which serve Queen Elizabeth II of England as part of The Queen’s Helicopter Flight.

This S-76A was the 35th production S-76 built and rolled off the assembly line in November, 1979. Originally purchased by Houston Helicopters, Inc., it joined the PHI fleet in 1983. It was built with Allison 250 C30S engines, which were replaced with more powerful Turbomecca engines in 2001. This changed its designation to an S-76A++. It has served with Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. (PHI) for 33 years and was used to transport passengers under contract for a number of oil exploration and production companies. It made 36,244 take-offs and landings and accumulated 23,481 flight hours before it was retired in April 2016. This helicopter was generously donated to the Lone Star Flight Museum by PHI in 2018.

Manufacturer: Sikorsky Country: United States LENGTH: 52 ft., 6 in. WINGSPAN: 44 ft. Ceiling: 13,800 Engine: Two Turbomecca Arriel 1S1 Turboshaft Max Speed: 178 mph Range: 473 miles Armament: None

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Upcoming Closure Notice

 The Lone Star Flight Museum will be closed on Sat., Jan. 10, 2026 for a private event. We’ll reopen with normal hours on Sun., Jan. 11, 2026 from 12pm – 5pm.

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Upcoming Hangar Closure Notice

The Heritage Hangar will be closedSun., Nov. 2, 2025, for a private event.

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Upcoming Closure Notice

 

Lone Star Flight Museum will be closed

Friday, October 10, 2025, for a private event.

We’ll resume normal business hours on

Saturday, October 11 from 10am – 5pm.

Hangar Closure Notice

Our Heritage Hangar will be closed

Thursday, October 9, 2025 for private event preparation. The Waltrip Hangar and all other exhibits will remain open. Enjoy discounted admission all day!

Please note: The museum will be closed Friday, October 10 for the private event.

Regular museum hours will resume on Saturday, October 11 from 10am – 5pm.

Heritage Hangar Closure – Thursday, September 18 at 1pm.

The Waltrip Hangar and all other exhibits remain open. The Heritage Hangar will reopen Friday during regular museum hours.

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10am – 3pm

Christmas Day – Dec. 25

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Museum Closure Notice

The Museum will be closed

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Museum Closure

 

The Museum will be closed from

Sat., Oct. 18 and Sun., Oct. 19, 2025 to participate in Wings Over Houston!

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We’ll resume normal museum hours on

Tues., Oct. 21 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Upcoming Closure Notice

 

The Lone Star Flight Museum will be closed

Saturday, October 4, 2025, for the 7th Annual Hangar Bash!

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We’ll resume normal business hours on

Sun., Oct. 5 – Noon – 5PM.

Upcoming Closure Notice

 

Lone Star Flight Museum will be closed on

Friday and Saturday, September 12-13, 2025, for a private event.

We’ll reopen with normal hours on 

Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 12PM – 5PM.