Mon, May 04, 2009
Sikorsky Unveils X2 TECHNOLOGY Light Tactical Helicopter
Concept
Sikorsky is unveiling its X2
TECHNOLOGY Light Tactical Helicopter (LTH) design at the Army
Aviation Association of America annual convention. The new mockup
reflects Sikorsky's concept for potential military application of
the high-speed enabling X2 TECHNOLOGY.
"These technologies can potentially bring new rotorcraft
capabilities that, to date, have been unachievable by the
industry," said Sikorsky President Jeffrey P. Pino.
"In addition to doubling the speed of helicopters, this
technology can improve hot/high performance, maneuverability and
low acoustic signature. Sikorsky's Light Tactical Helicopter
concept demonstrates a way to package these capabilities into an
airframe that is tailored to meet a range of military
missions."
The X2 TECHNOLOGY Light Tactical Helicopter multi-mission
capabilities will meet both regular U.S. Army and Special
Operations future requirements in a variety of combat roles.
Sikorsky Aircraft has invested in the LTH concept to illustrate its
commitment to developing future capabilities that are achievable
and affordable. X2 TECHNOLOGY is scalable to a variety of military
missions including assault, armed reconnaissance, close-air support
and combat search and rescue, and unmanned applications.
Sikorsky Aircraft announced an initiative in June 2005 to
develop an integrated suite of technologies called X2 TECHNOLOGY.
The technology demonstrator aircraft, which achieved first flight
in August 2008, is progressing toward the milestone of achieving
250 knot cruise speed. The project is funded entirely by
Sikorsky.
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 a helicopter can cruise at 250 knots, while retaining
such desirable helicopter attributes as excellent low speed
handling, efficient hovering, autorotation safety, and a seamless
and simple transition to high speed.
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
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