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September 16, 2010
- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.’s X2 TechnologyTM demonstrator Wednesday
successfully achieved a speed of 250 knots true air speed in level
flight at the
The speed, reached
during a 1.1-hour flight, is an unofficial speed record for a
helicopter. The demonstrator also reached 260 knots in a very shallow
dive during the flight.
“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.” |
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“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.”
Kevin Bredenbeck,
Sikorsky’s Director of Flight Operations and Chief Pilot for the company
and for its X2 Technology program, manned the milestone flight.
Bredenbeck said the demonstrator has been performing well, meeting
expectations of performance predictions and progressing with every test
flight.
“I’m proud of what
the X2 Technology team has accomplished,” Bredenbeck said. “This was
truly a collaborative effort that demanded a tremendous sacrifice from
the full team. This dedication enabled the demonstrator to hit this
historically high mark.” 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. |
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