Mon, Apr 11, 2011
Helicopter Based On X2 Technology Demonstrator Aircraft
Prototype airframes for the Sikorsky S-97 Raider will be built
by Aurora Flight Sciences, the company said in a news release
Tuesday.
Computer Rendering
Aurora's design and manufacturing role will take place over the
next several years. Applying Sikorsky structural design
methodologies, Aurora engineers will design the airframe to meet
challenging weight, strength, and stiffness criteria. The airframe
will be manufactured and assembled at Aurora's Columbus,
Mississippi facility.
"We are pleased to join Sikorsky's team to develop the S-97
Raider prototype," said John Langford, Aurora's President and CEO.
"Our demonstrated success in rapid prototyping and our experience
in transitioning prototype programs into production were key
factors in Sikorsky's decision to select Aurora for this high
priority development program."
The S-97 Raider program is based on Sikorsky Aircraft's
development of the next-generation X2 Technology rotary wing
demonstrator aircraft, which features twin coaxial counter-rotating
main rotors and a pusher propeller. The National Aeronautic
Association recently selected the Sikorsky Aircraft's X2
Demonstrator Team as the recipient of the 2010 Collier Trophy. In
addition to flying at nearly twice the speed of a conventional
helicopter, the S-97 Raider prototype aircraft will incorporate
other key performance parameters critical to combat operations -
increased maneuverability, greater endurance, reduced acoustic
noise signature, and the ability to operate at high altitudes.
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