Sikorsky Aircraft has been awarded aviation’s most prestigious prize for the development of its X2 helicopter. The twin rotor helicopter achieved 250 knots (288 mph) in level flight making it the fastest helicopter ever without external thrust.
The Collier trophy is awarded each year for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in the U.S. This year marks the 100th time the award has been given. Past winners include Orville Wright, Chuck Yeager, the crew of Apollo 11 and the SpaceShipOne team.
The Sikorsky X2 is a technology demonstrator used by the helicopter maker to explore the limits of fast helicopter flight. By using counter rotating main rotors, some of the drawbacks of high speed helicopter flight can be minimized. The problem of retreating blade stall is also minimized by slowing down the main rotor speed and using the pusher propeller at the back of the helicopter for thrust as speeds increase.
Last year saw a push for fast helicopters as Eurocopter also flew its speedy technology demonstrator, the X3. The Sikorsky X2’s record setting flight was an unofficial speed run. Only a few examples have flown faster when boosted with external jet thrust.
Sikorsky’s X2 will be the starting point for a new light attack helicopter being developed for the Army’s Armed Aerial Scout program. Known as the X2 Raider, the new military helicopter will retain the same basic layout. In addition to being fast, the new helicopter is expected to be quieter and have the ability to carry a larger payload than existing helicopters of similar size.
Future versions based on the X2 also may include a search and rescue helicopter that will be able to respond to accidents and rescue situations in less time. By reducing travel time to and from a hospital or other medical care facilities, a faster helicopter could deliver patients inside the critical first hour of care.
The X2 Raider is expected to make its first flight in four years.
Photo: Sikorsky
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