An S-97 rigid coaxial rotor helicopter lifts off during initial flight testing. Photo: Sikorsky Aircraft.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., May 26 (UPI) -- Sikorsky Aircraft's prototype S-97 rigid coaxial rotor helicopter has begun a series of tests to demonstrate its advanced capabilities.
The first test at the company's Development Flight Center last week involved a one-hour series of maneuvers to test the S-97 Raider's hover and low-speed capability. Future tests will demonstrate capabilities essential for combat operations such as armed reconnaissance, light assault, light attack and special operations.
"Sikorsky has a long tradition of pioneering new aviation technologies including the first practical helicopter," Sikorsky President Bob Leduc said "Today's (May 22) first flight of the S-97 Raider represents the latest leap forward for Sikorsky, our customers, and the rotorcraft industry.
"The industry has demanded high performance and high value from the products that execute critical missions, and, today, the Raider helicopter has given us an exciting look at the future of vertical flight."
The S-97 Raider helicopter program was begun in 2010 by Sikorsky to mature the Collier-Award winning X2 rotorcraft configuration and produce a helicopter that meets current U.S. Army special operations and armed reconnaissance needs. The research and development has been completely self-funded by the company and 53 industry partners.
The Raider prototype has a unique multi-mission configuration. Its coaxial counter-rotating main rotors and pusher propeller are capable of providing cruise speeds of as much as 276 miles per hour, Sikorsky said.
"Getting an all-new aircraft into flight, especially one with game-changing capabilities, is a remarkable feat," said Mark Miller, vice president of Research & Engineering. "With this first flight of the S-97 Raider helicopter, Sikorsky Aircraft is proving once again that the tough challenges will always propel us forward."
"With the Raider aircraft's unmatched combination of speed, maneuverability and acoustic signature, Sikorsky Aircraft is ideally positioned to provide the military with essential mission-specific capabilities," added Samir Mehta, president of Sikorsky Defense Systems & Services. "With this flight, we have started the demonstration of solutions to not only near-term capability gaps but also solutions for future vertical lift needs."
A second S-97 Raider prototype is expected to be completed later this year.
