Sikorsky S-97 Raider
| S-97 Raider | |
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| S-97 Raider mockup | |
| Role | Reconnaissance and attack compound helicopter |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Sikorsky Aircraft |
| First flight | 22 May 2015 |
| Status | Under development |
| Number built | 1 |
| Program cost | US$200 million |
| Unit cost |
US$15 million, projected
|
| Developed from | Sikorsky X2 |
 S-97 first flight by pilots Bill Fell and Kevin Bredenbeck on YouTube
|
 View of machinery in starboard side |
The Sikorsky S-97 Raider is a proposed high-speed scout and attack compound helicopter based on the Advancing Blade Concept (ABC), under development by Sikorsky Aircraft. Sikorsky planned to offer it for the United States Army's Armed Aerial Scout program, along with other possible uses. The S-97 made its maiden flight on 22 May 2015.
Sikorsky's earliest attempt at a fast helicopter with stiff coaxial rotors was the four-engine XH-59A flown in the 1970s. Its top speed was over 260 knots but its excessive fuel consumption, vibration and complexity requiring the full-time attention of two pilots led to its cancellation. These problems were largely solved on another attempt; the Sikorsky X2 technology demonstrator. First proposed in response to a Request for Information for the Armed Aerial Scout (AAS) program in March 2010, the S-97 was formally launched on 20 October 2010. It was intended as a contender for a United States Army's requirement to replace the Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. Other military roles are possible, the U.S. Special Operations Command having expressed interest in the S-97 as a replacement for the MH-6 Little Bird, and the possibility of adapting it for civilian applications also exists.
Sikorsky plans to build two prototypes of the S-97 as demonstrators. One prototype (P1) will be used for flight testing, while the second (P2) is planned for use as a demonstrator. The first prototype was planned to fly in late 2013 or early 2014. Sikorsky started construction of the two prototypes in October 2012. In September 2013, Sikorsky began final assembly of the first S-97 following delivery of the single-piece, all-composite fuselage by Aurora Flight Sciences. In February 2014, construction of the first S-97 prototype was one-quarter complete. Simulated bird strikes testing had been conducted on the fuselage at speeds of up to 235 kn (435 km/h; 270 mph), the S-97's expected maximum flight speed. Drop tests were also performed to ensure the fuel tanks' safety in the event of a crash. Sikorsky is exploring civil applications for the S-97, such as transporting personnel between offshore oil platforms.
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Wikipedia