Sikorsky Commits To Build And Fly Two Light Tactical Helos
Sikorsky Aircraft will design, build and fly two prototype light
tactical helicopters as the follow-on advancement to the X2
Technology demonstrator aircraft which unofficially broke the
helicopter world speed record in Florida in September. The
protoype helo demonstrated level flight at a speed of 250 knots
(287 mph). The decision to continue development of the
next-generation rotary wing technology will enable Sikorsky and
select suppliers to offer the high speed X2 prototype vehicles for
flight test and evaluation by U.S. armed forces.
Sikorsky X2 Raider Unveiling
"Having proved the X2 Technology design to ourselves, we have
full confidence we can now mature the technology for the U.S.
Army's light armed reconnaissance helicopter size," said Sikorsky
President Jeffrey Pino. "Self funding the design of a brand new
light tactical helicopter - the Sikorsky S-97 - and manufacturing
two prototypes we have designated as the Raider X2 helicopter, will
help military aviation evaluate the viability of a fast and
maneuverable next generation rotorcraft for a variety of combat
missions."
In March 2010, Sikorsky submitted an X2 aircraft design to the
Army's Armed Aerial Scout (AAS) program in response to a request
for information. The AAS program is currently conducting an
analysis of alternatives for the Army's next armed reconnaissance
helicopter. Like the X2 Technology demonstrator that
unofficially broke the helicopter speed record, the X2 Raider
prototypes will feature twin coaxial counter-rotating main rotors
(in place of one main rotor and a tail rotor) and a pusher
propeller.
For the armed reconnaissance mission, the X2 Raider helicopter
will have space aft of the two-pilot cockpit for armament and
auxiliary fuel. In an assault configuration, the cabin affords
space to accommodate up to six troops.
In addition to flying at nearly twice the speed of a
conventional helicopter, the X2 Raider prototype aircraft will
incorporate other key performance parameters critical to combat
operations - increased maneuverability, greater endurance, and the
ability to operate at high altitudes.
Sikorsky X2 Demonstrator
Compared to other light military helicopters, the X2 Raider
prototypes are expected to significantly reduce turning radius and
acoustic noise signature, while significantly increasing the
aircraft's payload, flight endurance and hot and high hover
capability. "These attributes will enable the X2 Raider aircraft to
meet or exceed the potential U.S. Army requirements for its next
armed reconnaissance helicopter," said Doug Shidler, Sikorsky's
Light Tactical Helicopter director. "If selected by the Army, the
X2 Raider aircraft design will enable high performance flight
operations in high altitude regions that currently pose challenges
to today's light military helicopters."
Sikorsky will conduct its X2 Raider aircraft development program
utilizing military standards. The company expects to conduct its
first major program milestone - a preliminary design review - in
2011. First flight, projected in four years, could depend in part
on the pace of development and customer need.