Recognized For Achievement With X2 Technology Demonstrator
Kevin Bredenbeck, the pilot who flew the revolutionary X2
Technology demonstrator last year to an unofficial speed record for
conventional helicopters, has been recognized by the Society of
Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) with the Iven C. Kincheloe Award
for the year’s outstanding professional accomplishment in the
conduct of flight testing.
Bredenbeck, who also is Sikorsky’s Director of Flight
Operations, accepted the award at a ceremony in California on
September 24.
“It’s hard to believe what has transpired over the
last few years, focusing on the task at hand, holding a team
together and pushing the envelope of an ‘X’
plane,” Bredenbeck said in collecting the award. “I got
to lead a great team and would never have been able to demonstrate
the capabilities of this X2 technology without them. I’m even
prouder that this team delivered to the doorstep of the future the
next generation potential for rotor winged flight.”
The Iven C. Kincheloe Award was established in 1958 in memory of
Air Force Test Pilot and SETP member Iven C.Kincheloe to honor
exceptional contributions to an aerospace program as a test pilot.
The award is sponsored by the Lockheed Martin Corp. The history of
previous award winners includes some of the aerospace and aviation
industry’s most accomplished and recognized figures in
experimental and exploration flight including NASA astronauts from
the Space Shuttle and Apollo space program.
The X2 Technology program began in 2005 when Sikorsky first
committed resources and full funding for the program’s
development. 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 attributes as excellent low speed
handling, efficient hovering, and a seamless and simple transition
to high speed.
Sikorsky Image
Among the innovative technologies the X2 Technology demonstrator
employs are:
- Fly-by-wire flight controls.
- Counter-rotating rigid rotor blades.
- Hub drag reduction.
- Active vibration control.
- Integrated auxiliary propulsion system.
As a “follow-on” to the successful X2 program,
Sikorsky Aircraft is continuing development of the next-generation
rotary wing technology by launching the S-97 RAIDER program.
Sikorsky and select suppliers will design, build, and fly two
prototype light tactical helicopters. These prototype vehicles will
enable the U.S. armed forces to experience, first hand, the
advanced performance capabilities X2 Technology can provide.
Like the X2 Technology demonstrator, the S-97 RAIDER helicopter
will feature twin coaxial counter-rotating main rotors and a pusher
propeller. 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,
and the ability to operate at high altitudes.
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