Wed, Sep 15, 2010
Speed Milestone Achieved During A Test Flight Wednesday
It's faster than any helicopter has flown before, if the record
stands. Sikorsky says its X2 Technology demonstrator successfully
achieved a speed of 250 knots true air speed in level flight at the
Sikorsky Development Flight Center on Wednesday, accomplishing the
program's ultimate speed milestone. The speed, reached during a
1.1-hour flight, is an unofficial speed record for a helicopter.
The demonstrator also reached 260 knots in a very shallow dive
during the flight.
Sikorsky X2 Demonstrator
"The aerospace industry today has a new horizon," said Sikorsky
President Jeffrey P. Pino. "The X2 Technology demonstrator
continues to prove its potential as a game-changer, and Sikorsky
Aircraft is proud to be advancing this innovative technology and to
continue our company's pioneering legacy."
"Our primary key performance parameter has been met," said Jim
Kagdis, Program Manager for Sikorsky Advanced Programs. "The
250-knot milestone was established as the goal of the demonstrator
from its inception. It's exciting to imagine how our customers will
use this capability."
Kevin Bredenbeck, Sikorsky's Director of Flight Operations and
Chief Pilot for the company and for its X2 Technology program,
manned the milestone flight. Bredenbeck said the demonstrator has
been performing well, meeting expectations of performance
predictions and progressing with every test flight. "I'm proud of
what the X2 Technology team has accomplished," Bredenbeck said.
"This was truly a collaborative effort that demanded a tremendous
sacrifice from the full team. This dedication enabled the
demonstrator to hit this historically high mark."
The X2 Technology demonstrator combines an integrated suite of
technologies intended to advance the state-of-the-art,
counter-rotating coaxial rotor helicopter. It is designed to
demonstrate that a helicopter can cruise comfortably at 250 knots
while retaining such desirable attributes as excellent low-speed
handling, efficient hovering, and a seamless and simple transition
to high speed.
The X2 Technology program began in 2005 when Sikorsky first
committed resources and full funding for the program's
development.
Mark Miller, Sikorsky Vice President of Research & Engineering,
said: "The X2 Technology program is an initiative of our Sikorsky
Innovations team, and today it offers a clear and exciting
validation of our ability to take on the toughest challenges in
vertical flight."
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