The award-winning X2 Technologyâ„¢ demonstrator will be on static display at the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) Annual Professional Forum and Exposition April 18-20 at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn. It is the first time Sikorsky Aircraft is showing the aircraft at the military trade show. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).
The static display gives AAAA show attendees the opportunity to view the demonstrator just seven months after it set an unofficial world speed record for conventional helicopters when it reached a speed of 250 knots true air speed in level flight on Sept. 15, 2010. The first application of the X2 technologies will be incorporated into a new helicopter program, the S-97 Raiderâ„¢ prototype.

Sikorsky plans to design, build and fly two S-97 Raider prototype light tactical helicopters to enable the U.S. military to evaluate the viability of a fast and maneuverable next generation rotorcraft for a variety of combat missions.

The X2 Technology demonstrator and the S-97 Raider mockup recently were displayed together in the courtyard of The Pentagon, allowing military representatives and media housed in the facility a rare opportunity to see the two aircraft up close and side by side.

“With the success of the X2 Technology demonstrator program, Sikorsky has begun showing the U.S. military services this next-generation rotorcraft technology that offers the functionality to outmaneuver conventional helicopters, hover at twice the altitude, and perform quick stops and close-air support agility,” said Steve Engebretson, director of Sikorsky’s armed aerial scout program. “The X2 Technology demonstrator captured the world’s attention with its speed capabilities, but its technology also brings greater endurance and the ability to operate at high and hot altitudes, a valuable suite of tools for today’s military.”

Like the X2 Technology demonstrator, the S-97 Raider helicopter will feature twin coaxial counter-rotating main rotors and a pusher propeller that enables an X2-designed helicopter to cruise at 220 knots. Other innovative technologies include fly-by-wire flight controls, hub drag reduction, active vibration control, and an integrated auxiliary propulsion system.

The X2 Technology demonstrator design is scalable, opening up a variety of potential mission uses including joint-multi-role such as combat search and rescue, armed aerial scout, medevac, attack, VIP transport, and offshore oil.

X2 Technology demonstrator Chief Pilot Kevin Bredenbeck and Engebretson will deliver five presentations on the X2 Technology demonstrator and the S-97 Raider during AAAA. Presentations are scheduled as follows:

• Monday, April 18, and Tuesday, April 19 at 1:30 and 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 20 at 1:30 p.m.

In addition to the X2 Technology demonstrator, Sikorsky booth #540 will feature the Sikorsky Xperienceâ„¢ interactive kiosk that allows visitors to view videos and information on a range of Sikorsky products. Sikorsky Aerospace Services will also participate in the Sikorsky booth display. Among the items to be shown are LifePort equipment including armored flooring, a stacking litter system, as well as videos on A-to-L upgrades, and their fleet analytics offerings. Sikorsky Aerospace Services is the aftermarket division of Sikorsky Aircraft.

The X2 Technology program began in 2005 when Sikorsky first committed resources and full funding for the program’s development. In March, the X2 Technology demonstrator and program team were named the winner of the 2010 Robert J. Collier Trophy, awarded annually to recognize the greatest achievements in aeronautics or astronautics in America.

Source and photo: Sikorsky