Sikorsky Aircraft, HOUSTON: Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today unveiled its X2 Technology(TM) Demonstrator at the George R. Brown Convention Center at Heli-Expo 2008. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.
The X2 Technology Demonstrator is designed to demonstrate how a helicopter can cruise comfortably at 250 knots, while retaining desirable helicopter attributes, including excellent low speed handling, efficient hovering and autorotation safety, and a seamless and simple transition to high speed.
“The X2 Technology Demonstrator is an integrated suite of technologies intended to advance the state-of-the-art, counter-rotating coaxial rotor helicopter. 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 Jeffrey P. Pino, Sikorsky President.
“This could be a 'game changer' in the industry. We are diligently pursuing this as a research project. We are testing the limits and pioneering this exciting innovation.”
Among the innovative technologies the X2 Technology Demonstrator employs are:
– Fly-by-wire flight controls
– Counter-rotating rigid rotor blades
– Hub drag reduction
– Active vibration control
– Integrated auxiliary propulsion system
Peter Grant, Sikorsky Senior Manager of Advanced Programs, noted that the X2 Technology Demonstrator has continued to make progress toward first flight. “Throughout 2007, the aircraft made excellent additional build and subsystem test progress, re-entering vehicle ground testing in November 2007. Extensive test instrumentation is also being installed as preparation for its first flight,” Grant said.
Sikorsky Aircraft first announced the initiative to develop an integrated suite of technologies called X2 Technology in June 2005. The X2 Technology Demonstrator is built as a rapid prototyping collaboration effort with Sikorsky subsidiary Schweizer Aircraft. The project is solely funded by Sikorsky Aircraft.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high- technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
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