Sikorsky S-97 Raider Exceeds 200 Knots As Company Prepares Proposal for US Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft

Sikorsky's self-funded X2 Technology is backbone of company's next generation helicopters

Date:

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida. The Sikorsky S-97 Raider light tactical prototype helicopter is advancing rapidly through its flight test schedule, recently exceeding 200 knots at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center. Raider, developed by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, is based on the company’s proven X2 Technology, enabling speeds twice that of conventional helicopters.

“The Sikorsky S-97 Raider flight test programme is exceeding expectations, demonstrating Raider’s revolutionary speed, maneuverability and agility,” said Tim Malia, Sikorsky director, Future Vertical Lift Light. “X2 Technology represents a suite of technologies needed for the future fight, enabling the warfighter to engage in high-intensity conflict anytime, anywhere as a member of a complex, multi-domain team.”

ads

Sikorsky continues to demonstrate the application of its X2 Technology as the company prepares its proposal for the U.S. Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) competition, driving forward the Army’s efforts to revolutionize its aircraft fleet as part of what is known as Future Vertical Lift.

Raider incorporates the latest advances in fly-by-wire flight controls, vehicle management systems and systems integration. The suite of X2 Technologies enables the aircraft to operate at high speeds while maintaining the low-speed handling qualities and maneuverability of conventional single main rotor helicopters.

“It’s exciting to achieve these high speeds with X2 Technology,” said Sikorsky experimental test pilot Bill Fell, a retired U.S. Army pilot. “It’s undeniably important for the warfighter to get to the mission fast. And once they get there, X2 Technology provides the critical handling qualities that make the aircraft survivable, lethal and agile. Sikorsky X2 Technology changes the way we fly and fight – we can get there fast, be more effective while on the scene and we can get out fast.”

Sikorsky’s X2 Technology at the heart of the Raider helicopter is scalable to a variety of military missions including light assault, light attack, armed reconnaissance, close-air support, combat search and rescue and unmanned applications.

big bang

The development of X2 Technology and the Raider programme has been funded entirely by significant investments by Sikorsky, Lockheed Martin and industry partners.

More like this

Expanding India-EU Maritime Cooperation: EUNAVFOR Ships Make Maiden Visit to India

New Delhi: ESPS Reina Sofia, commanded by Cdr Salvador...

Subir K Saha Assumes Charge as Executive Director of Gun & Shell Factory, Cossipore

Kolkata: Subir Kumar Saha has assumed the charge of...

Iran’s High-Level Uranium Enrichment Raises Serious Concerns: IAEA Reports 

Tel Aviv: The nuclear talks between the US and...

The Silent Leak

In modern defence ecosystems, data is no longer scarce....

Modern Wars Have No Fronts, No Rears Battle Zones

“Wars have become dirty. With thousands of innocent civilians...

Operation Sindoor is India’s Frontal Assault Against Terrorism: Defence Minister Onboard INS Vikrant

New Delhi: “Operation Sindoor is not just a military...

D328eco® Test Aircraft Rolls Out: A defining Milestone in Sustainable Regional Aviation

Wessling. Deutsche Aircraft has proudly unveiled the first D328eco...
Indian Navy Special EditionLatest Issue