Sat, Jan 14, 2012
Thirty-Five Companies Will Help Assemble The New Military
Helo
A team consisting of 35 companies has been assembled by Sikorsky
aircraft to assemble two prototype S-97 Raider helicopters for
evaluation by the U.S. military. Self-funded by Sikorsky and its
team members, the Raider program will demonstrate the military
applications of Sikorsky's break-through X2 rotorcraft design,
which proved its capability in 2010 to double the cruise speed of
conventional helicopters.
Sikorsky announced its supplier team during the Association of
the United States Army's ILW Aviation Symposium and Exposition,
National Harbor, MD.
"As designer and integrator of a next-generation light tactical
helicopter capable of outperforming conventional helicopters in
almost every performance parameter, it was imperative we chose our
suppliers for the maturity of their advanced aerospace products and
technologies," said Doug Shidler, Sikorsky's Raider program
manager. "Product maturity will enable Sikorsky to demonstrate the
Raider helicopter's flight and aerodynamic performance in a
simulated military environment starting in 2014, and ultimately
bring X2-designed helicopters to future customers quickly and at a
very affordable price."
The majority of the Raider team members are U.S.-based companies
from 20 states.
The Raider aircraft program follows Sikorsky's successful X2
Technology demonstrator helicopter, which in September 2010
achieved more than 250 knots (287 mph) flight speed, or twice the
average cruise speed of a conventional helicopter. The National
Aeronautic Association awarded Sikorsky the 2010 Robert J. Collier
Trophy for the achievement, and for its potential as a future
rotorcraft technology. Sikorsky will invest about 75 percent of the
Raider program's expected cost, with suppliers investing about 25
percent.
Like the X2 demonstrator aircraft, the single engine S-97 Raider
helicopter will feature coaxial counter-rotating main rotors and a
pusher propeller to provide cruise speeds up to 220 knots with dash
speeds up to 240 knots or higher. "We anticipate these S-97 Raider
prototypes will provide dramatic improvements over conventional
helicopters in maneuverability, range, endurance, altitude and
hover efficiency — in addition to speed," said Chris Van
Buiten, Vice President of Sikorsky Innovations, the advanced
engineering and development division of Sikorsky Aircraft that has
pioneered the X2 design. "These attributes of the Raider aircraft
could very well change the way the U.S. military fights with
helicopters."
While the Raider aircraft will showcase the X2 design's
considerable airframe and flight characteristics, its configuration
as a light tactical helicopter will enable Sikorsky to offer the
aircraft as a candidate for the U.S. Army's Armed Aerial Scout
helicopter competition. The U.S. Army is seeking a new aircraft to
replace the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter.
With a maximum gross weight of approximately 11,000 lbs, the Raider
helicopter will offer full operational performance at speeds and
altitudes more than twice the capability of today's light tactical
helicopters.
The Raider cockpit will feature side-by-side seating for two
pilots. For armed reconnaissance and light attack missions, the
aircraft can host a variety of sensors and externally-mounted
weapons, with the flexibility to carry additional fuel and
ammunition for extended missions. In a light utility or special
operations configuration, the helicopter cabin will carry up to six
troops. (Images provided by Sikorsky)
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