Sikorsky unveils X2 Technology Demonstrator and launches S-434
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today unveiled its X2 Technology Demonstrator at the George R. Brown
Convention Center at Heli-Expo 2008. 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.
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 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 and Schweizer also launched their new S-434 helicopter. Now in development, the aircraft is the next iteration of the Schweizer model 333, incorporating many of the design and performance technologies developed on the Fire Scout VTUAV.
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