A wild new design for helicopters is proving successful -- and may set an official air speed record.
According to Sikorsky, which manufactured the futuristic X2 helicopter, the chopper flew a blistering 250 knots during testing on Wednesday, and reached 260 knots (or 300 mph) during a controlled dive.
"The aerospace industry today has a new horizon," said Sikorsky President Jeffrey P. Pino. "The X2 Technology demonstrator continues to prove its potential as a game-changer, and Sikorsky Aircraft is proud to be advancing this innovative technology and to continue our company's pioneering legacy."
The old rotary-wing air speed record of 249 miles per hour had been set in 1986, and the new design clearly exceeds those speeds, having already bested the quarter-century old record handily in early August -- earning it the unofficial title of fastest helicopter on the planet.
But without a representative from the the National Aeronautic Association on hand, the official record for a helicopter still belongs to the British-made Westland Lynx ZB-500, flown by John Egginton in 1986, at a paltry 216 knots, or 249 mph.
"Our primary key performance parameter has been met," said Jim Kagdis, Program Manager for Sikorsky Advanced Programs. "The 250-knot milestone was established as the goal of the demonstrator from its inception. It's exciting to imagine how our customers will use this capability."
How fast it will ultimately go still remains to be seen.
"The aircraft is doing a little better than predicted," the chief test pilot said in a conference call with reporters, adding that the X2's top speed could be 15 knots faster.
Ultra high speeds have traditionally posed problems for helicopters due to the complex aerodynamics of moving rotor blades, such as those on the tail that counter the torque of the main rotor. Sirkorsky has addressed this issue with a six-blade, rear-facing propeller that generates thrust in a manner similar to fixed-wing aircraft.
Most important, Sirkorsky has been able to integrate these speed enhancements without compromising other flight qualities such as hovering, handling, and smooth transitioning from low to high speeds.
Sirkorsky believes that there will be many relevant applications for a well-rounded high speed chopper, such as high speed transport in remote locations. But at this time there are still no plans for a production version.
Sikorsky is to build two prototypes of what it is calling the X2 Raider, to further its bid to develop a high-speed, coaxial-rotor light tactical helicopter to replace the U.S. Army's OH-58D Kiowa Warrior armed scout.
The new helicopter, designated the Sikorsky S-97, is planned to fly in 2014. Like the company's X2 Technology demonstrator, which has exceeded 250kt in flight tests, the Raider will be equipped with rigid coaxial rotors, pusher propulsor, integrated powerplant and fly-by-wire.
More details after a Sikorsky press conference at 11.00 today (Oct. 20).
And thanks for sharing this great news, Leela! I've been waiting a long time to see a military version built (even if it is only a mockup). Yay for progress!
__________________
lllllAs of 2019 I have transitioned; My name is now Rei. Please don't deadname or misgender me, thank you. <3 lllll
Good X2 footage. Thanx. I was wondering...I heard that the X2 is an "absolute rigid" rotor system.............how does it over come dissymetry of lift?
Dave
__________________
Απόκάθε γενιάμεταξύκάθε έθνοςανθρώπων, να θυμάστενεκρών στρατιωτώνμας.”
Sikorsky's high-speed, coaxial-rotor S-97 X2 Raider (above) has changed slightly as it moves from full-scale mockup towards two flying prototypes. The latest artwork shows changes to the glasswork and the switch to a taildragger configuration with the retractable main gear upfront. The private-venture prototypes are scheduled to fly in 2014 and Sikorsky says an aircraft meeting the US Army's Armed Aerial Scout requirement would be ready to enter service in 2025.
Inventors: Mark R. Alber, Benjamin Reed Hein, Alfred Russell Smiley, Timothy F. Lauder, William J. Eadie Original Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Current Assignee: Search USPTO Assignment Database Primary Examiner: Lisa P Lichtenstein Attorney: Carlson, Gaskey & Olds PC
A vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) rotary-wing air-craft is sized and configured to match a payload container such as a standardized Joint Modular Intermodal Container (JMIC). The aircraft may be an Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) that is capable of autonomously engaging and disengaging the container so that the aircraft can pick up and drop off the JMIC with minimum human intervention. Inventors: Mark R. Alber, Brandon L. Stille, Alfred Russell Smiley