Mon, Feb 02, 2009
Test "Went According To Plan"
Sikorsky Aircraft achieved a major milestone in its X2
Technology demonstrator program by successfully ground testing the
aircraft with the pusher propeller installed and spinning for the
first time.
The test conducted January 23 used the fly-by-wire pitch control
system with the rotating, high-speed pusher propeller for the first
time. The program testing has been continuing at Sikorsky's
Schweizer Aircraft Corp. rapid-prototyping facility in Horseheads,
NY since the demonstrator's first flight on August 27, 2008.
"The high-speed pusher prop produced the expected amount of
thrust and the testing went according to plan," said Steven
Cizewski, X2 Program Manager. "In addition, the pusher prop's drive
system and oil distribution system checked out well. In all, we are
pleased with this milestone and look forward to finishing the tests
in Elmira, NY as we prepare to move the demonstrator into its next
phase of testing in West Palm Beach."
Sikorsky Vice President of Research & Engineering Mark
Miller said, "This ground test milestone effectively completes
Phase I of the four-phase X2 Technology development test
program."
"We are looking forward to completing the remainder of the
envelope expansion phases, and achieving 250 knots at the
completion of Phase IV by the end of the year," Miller said.
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 a helicopter can cruise comfortably at 250 knots, while
retaining such desirable helicopter attributes as excellent low
speed handling, efficient hovering and autorotation safety, and a
seamless and simple transition to high speed.
Sikorsky announced its initiative to develop an integrated suite
of technologies called X2 Technology in June 2005. The project is
funded solely by Sikorsky.
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