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“Just four years ago, we announced plans to
build the S-97 RAIDER and teamed with some of
the best companies in the industry,
understanding the need to ensure aircraft
development would not falter as government
defense budgets shrank in response to economic
pressures. Sikorsky is proud of its leadership
in this area, and of the leadership the S-97
RAIDER represents among the world’s military
rotorcraft.”
Based on Sikorsky’s rigid X2™ rotor coaxial
design, the S-97 RAIDER helicopter features
next-generation technologies in a multi-mission
configuration (armed aerial scout or light
assault), capable of carrying six troops and
external weapons.
The coaxial counter-rotating main rotors and
pusher propeller provide cruise speeds up to 220
knots (253 mph, more than double the speed of
conventional helicopters. Sikorsky will offer
the RAIDER™ aircraft as a replacement for the
U.S. Army’s OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter
fleet based on the Army’s future operational and
financial priorities, and for the special
operations platform.
“Military rotorcraft fleets need maximum
performance and increased capabilities to
achieve their objectives,” Maurer added. “The
RAIDER delivers on that with its greatly
improved maneuverability and speed,
significantly improved high/hot hover
performance, and greater range and endurance.”
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