STRATFORD, Conn., Feb. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky Aircraft
Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), today
announced the start of bladed ground testing, a major milestone,
for the S-97 RAIDER™ program. The RAIDER™ is an armed
reconnaissance rotorcraft designed to significantly outmatch
conventional military helicopters in maneuverability, payload,
speed, range and high/hot environmental conditions.
"Testing all of the aircraft's systems together, for the first
time, marks significant progress in the development of this next
generation helicopter and moves the program closer to first
flight," said S-97 RAIDER Program Manager Mark Hammond.
During the ground runs phase, the S-97 RAIDER team is testing
the first of two aircraft prototypes as a completed system for the
first time. The team will perform initial ground tests with the
aircraft tied down and will focus on verifying correct operation of
the propulsion system, drive train, rotor control system and
pilot-vehicle interface.
This testing comes on the heels of the recent successful
completion of software qualification testing, component fatigue
testing, and gearbox testing, for the first S-97 RAIDER
prototype.
Sikorsky launched the S-97 RAIDER program in October 2010 with the objectives of maturing the
X2™ rotorcraft design and offering a helicopter to meet U.S. Army
reconnaissance and special operations needs.
In addition to ground runs for the first prototype, the program
team at Sikorsky's Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, is prepared to begin
final assembly of the second prototype S-97 RAIDER helicopter,
following acceptance last month of the fuselage structure from
Aurora Flight Sciences. Sikorsky rolled out the first prototype in
October 2014.
Based on Sikorsky's rigid X2 rotor coaxial design, the S-97
RAIDER helicopter features next-generation technologies in a
multi-mission configuration, capable of carrying six troops and
external weapons. The coaxial counter-rotating main rotors and
pusher propeller provide cruise speeds up to 220 knots (253
mph).
"We look forward to the opportunity to demonstrate the RAIDER's
revolutionary performance and unmatched maneuverability for the
U.S. Army," said Steve Engebretson,
Director, Advanced Military Programs. "We're delivering on our
promise to design and build a helicopter with performance
capabilities not seen before."
The S-97 RAIDER helicopter demonstrator program is 100 percent
industry-funded. Sikorsky provides 75 percent of the investment and
the suppliers provide the remaining funding. Sikorsky's goal is to
attract government interest in the program.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Connecticut, is a world leader in
helicopter design, manufacture and service. United Technologies
Corp., based in Hartford,
Connecticut, provides high technology products and services
to the building and aerospace industries.
This press release contains forward-looking statements
concerning opportunities for development, production and sale of
helicopters. Actual results may differ materially from those
projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including
but not limited to changes in government procurement priorities and
practices, budget plans, availability of funding and in the type
and number of aircraft required; challenges in the design,
development, production and support of advanced technologies; as
well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to
those detailed from time to time in United Technologies
Corporation's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
www.sikorsky.com
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SOURCE Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.