Sikorsky has successfully completed the first flight of the S-97 RAIDER™ helicopter, a rigid coaxial rotor prototype designed to demonst...
Sikorsky has successfully completed the first flight of the S-97 RAIDER™ helicopter, a rigid coaxial rotor prototype designed to demonstrate an increased performance helicopter in terms of maneuverability, hover ability, range, speed, endurance and survivability.
The maiden flight was carried out by Pilot Bill Fell and Co-Pilot Kevin Bredenbeck and lasted around an hour. The aircraft performed a series of maneuvers designed to test the aircraft's hover and low-speed capability. Sikorsky rolled out the helicopter last year and commenced engine run in February.
Pioneering new aviation technologies including the first practical helicopter, the Sikorsky RAIDER™ features a coaxial counter-rotating main rotors and pusher propeller that are expected to enable cruise speeds up to 240 knots (276 mph), close to the 255 knots (472 km/hr) highest speed achieved by the now retired Airbus Helicopters X3 compound helicopter.
The 5 ton helicopter is powered by a single General Electric YT706 turboshaft rated at 1,900 kW and is designed for a service ceiling of 10,000 ft (3,048 m).
Sikorsky plans to develop the 100 percent industry funded RAIDER™ program into a unique multi-mission helicopter capable of carrying six troops and external weapons.
Sikorsky launched the S-97 RAIDER helicopter program in September 2010, with objectives of maturing the Collier-Award winning X2™ rotorcraft configuration and demonstrating a helicopter that meets current U.S. Army special operations and armed reconnaissance needs, while maturing technologies for Future Vertical Lift (FVL).
A second RAIDER helicopter prototype is on track to complete final assembly in 2015. Sikorsky plans to carry out a demonstration tour in 2016.
