Sikorky's X2 Expected To Conduct Speed Trials In West Palm Beach

A relatively small South Florida airfield -- all-but-invisible to most on the ground -- has given a big economic boom to the region, and may soon host a new speed record attempt as well.

The Palm Beach Post reports Sikorsky Aircraft will soon ship its experimental X2 helicopter prototype to the company's flight center near West Palm Beach for further trials. The novel helicopter/airplane hybrid is poised to break the rotorcraft speed record of 250 knots later this year.

Despite its relatively unobtrusive nature -- nestled between a wildlife sanctuary and a major highway -- the Sikorsky Aircraft Development Flight Center has proven to be an economic stalwart for the region. As many aerospace companies laid off workers in 2008, the center actually increased its ranks by 365 workers, to a total head count of 878, according to General Manager Pete Ladyko.

Employees there perform final assembly on the latest derivative of the venerable UH-60 Black Hawk, among other tasks. Five aircraft development programs are underway at the facility, as well.

Perhaps the most glamorous of those is the single-seat X2 Technology Demonstrator. Fitted with dual counter rotating coaxial rotors and a large shaft-driven pusher propeller at the tail, the testbed is designed to establish that a helicopter can cruise comfortably at 250 knots, while retaining helicopter attributes like efficient hovering, and safe autorotation.

As ANN reported, the X2 first flew August 27 at the Sikorsky-Schweizer Hawk Works near Elmira, NY. The first flights with the pusher prop engaged -- so far, the propeller has only been run up during ground trials -- are expected to be done at West Palm Beach.

With all propulsion systems running, Sikorsky expects the X2 will easily surmount the current 249-knot speed record for rotorcraft, now held by an AgustaWestland Lynx.

FMI: www.sikorsky.com