HANGAR TALK Sikorsky News Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.’s X2
X2 Technology™ Demonstrator Achieves 225 Knots: Sets New Top Speed For A Helicopter
Technology™ demonstrator unofficially broke the speed record for rotorcraft, achieving a maximum speed of 225 knots in a one-hour test flight at the Development Flight Center. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.
X2 Technology demonstrator
Chief Pilot Kevin Bredenbeck executed the successful record- breaking test flight. The previ- ous record for a 3,500 kg class of rotorcraft – 216 knots – was set by a Westland Lynx in the mid-1980’s. “The X2 Technology demon-
strator’s latest flight is continu- ing to push the speed envelope, successfully flying approximately 50 knots faster than a traditional helicopter,” said Jim Kagdis, Program Manager, Advanced Programs. “Vibration levels and aircraft performance have con- tinued to meet or exceed our expectations, so we are pleased to report that all systems are ‘go’ in our mission to achieve a 250- knot cruise speed later this year.” In the demonstrator’s previ- ous flight, a new tail configura- tion was incorporated to decrease pilot workload as the aircraft speed is increased, improving the overall aircraft handling qualities. “The X2 Technology pro- gram is one of our Sikorsky Innovations initiatives to devel- op and mature the technologies, products and processes that will redefine the future of vertical flight. With each successful test flight, the X2 Technology demonstrator is carrying this forward and writing a new page in aviation history ”said Mark Miller, Sikorsky Vice President of Research & Engineering. The X2 Technology demon- strator combines an integrated suite of technologies intended to advance the state-of-the-art, counter-rotating coaxial rotor helicopter. It is designed to demonstrate that a helicopter can cruise comfortably at 250 knots while retaining such desir- able attributes as excellent low- speed handling, efficient hover- ing and a seamless and simple transition to high speed. ◆
ROTORCRAFTPROFESSIONAL 10
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