RS-5

The Sikorsky RS‑5 is a medium‑lift, twin‑engine rotorcraft that began development in 2002 as Sikorsky’s response to demand for versatile, high‑payload helicopters in military and commercial markets. The program, code‑named “Rapid‑Shift‑5,” moved from concept to prototype in three years, and the first flight occurred on 14 March 2006 at Stratford, Connecticut. FAA certification followed in 2009, and operators quickly adopted the RS‑5 for its combination of speed, range, and payload.

Key features include a four‑blade composite main rotor that reduces vibration by 28 % and boosts lift 15 % compared with the S‑76. Two FADEC‑controlled turboshaft engines deliver 2,200 shp each, giving a cruise speed of 165 knots and a range of 620 nm with a 5,000‑lb payload. The cockpit uses a glass‑panel avionics suite with integrated flight‑management, dual‑redundant controls, and health‑monitoring sensors for condition‑based maintenance.

The RS‑5 is significant as a bridge between traditional helicopters and emerging tilt‑rotor and electric‑propulsion concepts. Its flexibility has made it a mainstay for offshore oil‑and‑gas transport, humanitarian relief, and special‑operations missions, influencing later Sikorsky models such as the S‑92V and the all‑electric X2‑H. Since its introduction, over 120 RS‑5 units have been delivered to customers in more than 15 countries, underscoring its global impact.