WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.’s X2 TechnologyTM demonstrator achieved a speed of 181 knots in a test flight today at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).
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 that 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.Â
“The X2 Technology demonstrator today exceeded average helicopter speeds of a conventional helicopter, generally 160-170 knots,†said Jim Kagdis, Program Manager, Sikorsky Advanced Programs. “The demonstrator is proving out the technologies very well, from the active vibration control system to the fly-by-wire controls. There are no show stoppers here so far, and now the program turns a corner, as this completes phase three of four. We are flying forward to the 250-knot cruise speed.â€Â
The X2 Technology program began in 2005 when Sikorsky first committed resources and full funding for the program’s development.Â
“For potential customers, this milestone is exciting news and a solid signal that these technologies are true and executable, performing the way we expected they would,†said Mark Miller, Sikorsky Vice President of Research & Engineering. “As the X2 Technology demonstrator prepares to write a new page in aviation history later this year, we will continue the conversation with our customers and look forward to mapping out future applications that will meet customer needs.â€Â
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
Source: Sikorsky
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