.jpg) The ultra-rigid main rotor blades of the X2 Technology Demonstrator prototype, which Sikorsky Aircraft unveiled at Heli-Expo 2008 in February, are a blend of Sikorsky proprietary airfoils and are manufactured by Eagle Aviation Technologies. They are double-ended close to the hub to reduce rotor-hub drag and address engineers' prediction that the retreating blade of the coaxial main rotor aircraft will see upwards of 80 percent of its flow reversed when the X2 is flying at 265 kt. |
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 Highlighting the range and history of Agusta's product line, an AB47 and Bell/Agusta Aerospace Co. BA609 flight test prototype fly by employees and guests marking the centennial of Agusta during ceremonies Sept. 21 at AgustaWestland's headquarters in Italy. |
 U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Hanlon, a 20th Special Operations Sqdn. tail gunner, scans for incoming threats as a Sikorsky Aircraft MH-53 Pave Low jettisons flares over the live-fire ranges at Eglin AFB, Fla., Aug. 15, 2007. The flares are used as an infrared and radar countermeasure during assaults. Photo by USAF Senior Airman Julianne Showalter |
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.gif) The first EH101 variant built specifically for the U.S. VH-71 presidential helicopter program makes its maiden flight July 3, 2007 from AgustaWestland's Yeovil, England facility. AgustaWestland says the white section aft of and below the engine is thermal insulation. For more on the flight |