Two hundred and fifty-nine miles per hour. That’s how the fast of the Sikorsky X2 flew through a latest test flight in Florida. The flight bust a record that had stood ever since 1986 when a Westland Lynx handled 249 mph.
And Sikorsky isn’t finished yet. The X2 is a technology protester aimed at developing helicopters that simply cruise up to double the speed of traditional helicopters. By using a twin rotor design, a pusher sustain and several aerodynamic improvements, Sikorsky says this kind of design could guide to helicopters that are easily competent of even higher cruise speeds.
After locating the helicopter speed record with the 259 mph flight, X2 program director Jim Kagdis said that the helicopter is performing better than anticipated so far.
“Vibration levels and aircraft presentation have continued to meet or go beyond our expectations, so we are satisfied to report that all systems are ‘go’ in our mission to accomplish a 250-knot [288 mph] travel speed shortly this year,” he said.
By tradition Helicopters are restricted by the complex aerodynamics produced with the moving rotor blades losing lift when they are affecting backwards relative to the direction of flight. A propeller at the back of the helicopter agrees to the X2 pilot to fly at top speeds although minimizing the problems related with high speed flight and the main rotors.
Sikorsky considers that there is a marketplace for a fast touching helicopter in the military and civilian world. Both the markets are concerned in faster medical helicopters to decrease response times for carrying patients in and out of remote areas. The company hasn’t released details about the plans for a production version of the X2, but has supposed the technology will find its way into a future model.
And Sikorsky isn’t finished yet. The X2 is a technology protester aimed at developing helicopters that simply cruise up to double the speed of traditional helicopters. By using a twin rotor design, a pusher sustain and several aerodynamic improvements, Sikorsky says this kind of design could guide to helicopters that are easily competent of even higher cruise speeds.
After locating the helicopter speed record with the 259 mph flight, X2 program director Jim Kagdis said that the helicopter is performing better than anticipated so far.
“Vibration levels and aircraft presentation have continued to meet or go beyond our expectations, so we are satisfied to report that all systems are ‘go’ in our mission to accomplish a 250-knot [288 mph] travel speed shortly this year,” he said.
By tradition Helicopters are restricted by the complex aerodynamics produced with the moving rotor blades losing lift when they are affecting backwards relative to the direction of flight. A propeller at the back of the helicopter agrees to the X2 pilot to fly at top speeds although minimizing the problems related with high speed flight and the main rotors.
Sikorsky considers that there is a marketplace for a fast touching helicopter in the military and civilian world. Both the markets are concerned in faster medical helicopters to decrease response times for carrying patients in and out of remote areas. The company hasn’t released details about the plans for a production version of the X2, but has supposed the technology will find its way into a future model.
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