WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.,
May 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/
-- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a United Technologies Corp.
subsidiary (NYSE: UTX), today announced the successful first flight
of the S-97 RAIDER™ helicopter, a rigid coaxial rotor prototype
designed to demonstrate a game-changing combination of
maneuverability, hover ability, range, speed, endurance and
survivability. The first flight was conducted at Sikorsky's
Development Flight Center (DFC) where the two-prototype RAIDER™
helicopter test program is based.
"Sikorsky has a long tradition of pioneering new aviation
technologies including the first practical helicopter. Today's
first flight of the S-97 RAIDER represents the latest leap forward
for Sikorsky, our customers, and the rotorcraft industry," said
Sikorsky President Bob Leduc. "The
industry has demanded high performance and high value from the
products that execute critical missions, and, today, the RAIDER
helicopter has given us an exciting look at the future of vertical
flight."
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.
"It is the Sikorsky Innovations charter to identify the toughest
challenges in vertical flight, and to demonstrate solutions to
them," said Mark Miller, Vice
President of Research & Engineering. "Getting an all-new
aircraft into flight, especially one with game-changing
capabilities, is a remarkable feat. With this first flight of the
S-97 RAIDER helicopter, Sikorsky Aircraft is proving once again
that the tough challenges will always propel us forward."
"This exemplifies the very DNA of Sikorsky Aircraft: to explore,
to challenge, to pioneer, and in doing so, to ultimately change
what is possible for our customers," Miller said. "It is exciting
that the S-97 RAIDER helicopter leverages a mix of evolutionary
rotorcraft technologies that, when combined in this new way,
results in revolutionary capability."
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."
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.
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 systems and services
to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC,
visit the website at www.utc.com or follow the company on Twitter:
@UTC.
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.
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SOURCE Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation