Sergei Sikorsky Also Scheduled To Present On His Father’s
Aviation Successes
Sikorsky Innovations says it plans to display its popular X2
Technology and Project Firefly demonstrators in static exhibits at
EAA AirVenture 2011, adding to a growing list of innovations and
advancements that will be showcased throughout the week.
Additionally, Sergei Sikorsky, the son of company founder Igor
Sikorsky, is scheduled to appear and present stories of his
father’s aviation successes, which included creating the
first single-rotor, mass-produced helicopter. Chief pilots and
engineers from the X2 and Project Firefly teams will also conduct
forums.
Sikorsky X2
“Sikorsky Aircraft is excited to again participate in the
EAA AirVenture exhibition,” said Chris Van Buiten, Director
of Sikorsky Innovations. “This is an exciting venue of
aviation visionaries, thinkers and innovators, and we look forward
to sharing the latest on Sikorsky Innovations’
initiatives.”
The X2 Technology demonstrator, which achieved 250 knots true
air speed in level flight in 2010 – an unofficial speed
record for conventional helicopters, uses a unique propulsion
system of counter-rotating rigid rotor blades rotors powered by a
LHTEC T800-LHT-801 turboshaft engine. The aircraft also has an
integrated auxiliary propulsion system (a rear pusher prop) and has
achieved the company’s four performance objectives for the
program: low single-pilot workload, low vibration, low acoustic
signature, and high speed.
Project Firefly, an all-electric helicopter technology
demonstrator, is an S-300C helicopter with a high-efficiency,
200-horsepower electric motor and digital controller from U.S.
Hybrid, coupled with a lithium ion energy storage system from Gaia,
automated monitoring and alert technologies and next generation
cockpit displays.
“Since aviation’s pioneering days, Sikorsky Aircraft
has been a leader and an innovator in helicopter design and
technology,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture chairman.
“Sikorsky’s ingenuity continues to thrive and build on
past advancements, and matches the innovative spirit shown by EAA
members and exhibitors at AirVenture Oshkosh every year.”
Earlier this year, the X2 was awarded the 2010 Robert J. Collier
Trophy from the National Aeronautic Association, given annually to
recognize America’s greatest achievements in aeronautics or
astronautics. It was the second Collier Trophy for Sikorsky
Aircraft, with the other coming in 2002 for its S-92
helicopter.
Sikorsky Firefly
The X2 and Project Firefly will be on display during AirVenture
at Sikorsky’s exhibit near ConocoPhillips Plaza. Sikorsky is
part of a growing participation from the rotorcraft community in
AirVenture’s new Heli Center, a dedicated pavilion for the
international helicopter community established in conjunction with
Helicopter Association International.
With forums, presentations, and exhibits centered at the EAA
Innovation Center, AirVenture 2011 will host a variety of electric
aircraft as well as assorted roadable aircraft in functional and
prototype form. Demonstration flights will also be conducted on
select dates.
The second annual World Symposium on Electric Aircraft, set for
July 29-30, will feature several influential industry leaders
discussing electric propulsion aircraft in an open forum, offering
what they envision is the future for this rapidly growing flight
segment that is attracting the attention of scientists, engineers,
manufacturers, and investors.