“Sikorsky has a long tradition of pioneering new aviation technologies including the first practical helicopter. The S-97 RAIDER’s first flight represents the latest leap forward for Sikorsky, our customers, and the rotorcraft industry. Today, the RAIDER helicopter has given us an exciting look at the future of vertical flight,” said Sikorsky President Bob Leduc.
During the first test flight, which lasted approximately an hour, RAIDER Pilot Bill Fell and Co-Pilot Kevin Bredenbeck took the aircraft through a series of maneuvers designed to test the aircraft's hover and low-speed capability. With first flight achieved, the RAIDER helicopter now moves into more progressive flight testing to demonstrate key performance parameters critical to future combat operations including armed reconnaissance, light assault, light attack and special operations.
The RAIDER helicopter program is part of the portfolio of Sikorsky Innovations, the technology development organization within Sikorsky Aircraft's Research & Engineering division.
Sikorsky launched the S-97 RAIDER helicopter program in September 2010, with objectives of maturing the Collier-Award winning X2™ rotorcraft configuration and demonstrating a helicopter that meets current U.S. Army special operations and armed reconnaissance needs, while maturing technologies for Future Vertical Lift (FVL). The program is 100 percent industry-funded by Sikorsky Aircraft and its 53 industry partners.
Based on the X2 coaxial rotor design, the RAIDER™ helicopter is capable of being developed into a unique multi-mission configuration that is able to carry six troops and external weapons. The coaxial counter-rotating main rotors and pusher propeller are expected to provide cruise speeds up to 240 knots (276 mph).
“Based on the capabilities that were demonstrated today, Sikorsky is positioned to develop the S-97 RAIDER helicopter's game-changing capabilities to enable helicopter forces to out-perform on the battleground of tomorrow,” said Samir Mehta, President of Sikorsky Defense Systems & Services.
“With the Raider aircraft's unmatched combination of speed, maneuverability and acoustic signature, Sikorsky Aircraft is ideally positioned to provide the military with essential mission-specific capabilities. With this flight, we have started the demonstration of solutions to not only near-term capability gaps but also solutions for future vertical lift needs,” he added.
The second RAIDER helicopter prototype is on track to complete final assembly in 2015. A demonstration tour of the RAIDER helicopter is planned for 2016.
