Rotorcraft Report: Sikorsky Takes X2 to Market

PRODUCTS | AIRFRAMES

Sikorsky Aircraft unveiled its prototype X2 technology demonstrator to attendees at Heli-Expo 2008 Feb. 24 and sought input from potential customers on how they might make use of high-speed helicopters based on that technology.

With the X2 program, Sikorsky aims to demonstrate that an aircraft can cruise at 250 kt or more with low vibration at those speeds and still retain all the vertical-lift capabilities of a conventional helicopter. Those capabilities include low-speed handling, hovering, and autorotation safety.

"As we continue to work to prove out and mature the technologies that will allow the X2 technology demonstrator to become a viable product, we are focused on testing its limits and finding out where this technology will take us," said Sikorsky President Jeff Pino. "This could be a ‘game changer’ in the industry."

The prototype was produced at Schweizer Aircraft, Sikorsky’s subsidiary and rapid-prototyping center of excellence. For more on the progress of the X2 program and on the prototype, turn to page 42.