Faster Than Any Rotorcraft In It's Class... And Possibly Faster
One of the true "reveals" of the 2008 HAI Trade Show was Sikorsky's surprising (but delightful) decision to pull their X2 research aircraft off the line (where it is preparing for first flight) and bring it to the show. This was the first major public venue in which the on-again, off-again development project that could change the nature of rotorcraft design had seen the light of day.
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.
"The X2 Technology Demonstrator is an integrated suite of technologies intended to advance the state-of-the-art, counter-rotating coaxial rotor helicopter. As we continue to work to prove out and mature the technologies that will allow the X2 Technology ...