Sikorsky helicopter sets new speed record

[Chogy]

Pretty cool info...

Helicopter top speeds are limited by a number of phenomenon that are very hard to overcome - flutter, retreating blade stall, supersonic blade tips, etc. Sikorsky may be on to something very important.

I have heard from someone within the program that the engine was at only 65% of its rated power at 225 knots.

Press Releases
X2 Technology™ Demonstrator Achieves 225 Knots, Sets New Top Speed for Helicopter - Target Milestone of 250 Knots Looms in Q3 2010
July 26, 2010

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida - Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.’s X2 Technology™ demonstrator today unofficially broke the speed record for rotorcraft, achieving a maximum speed of 225 knots in a one-hour test flight at the Development Flight Center. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

X2 Technology demonstrator Chief Pilot Kevin Bredenbeck executed the successful record-breaking test flight. The previous record for a 3,500 kg class of rotorcraft – 216 knots – was set by a Westland Lynx in the mid-1980’s.

“The X2 Technology demonstrator’s latest flight is continuing to push the speed envelope, successfully flying approximately 50 knots faster than a traditional helicopter,” said Jim Kagdis, Program Manager, Advanced Programs. “Vibration levels and aircraft performance have continued to meet or exceed our expectations, so we are pleased to report that all systems are ‘go’ in our mission to achieve a 250-knot cruise speed later this year.”
....

• Fly-by-wire flight controls
• Counter-rotating rigid rotor blades
• Hub drag reduction
• Active vibration control
• Integrated auxiliary propulsion system
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

 

[Chogy]

Very interesting hub arrangement... looks rigid and strong, and the pusher prop harks back to an early era. Sometimes the simple answers are best.

 

[Dazzler]

Is this the right section for this thread? just curious

 

[armyoptimist]

I suppose this is right section for this kind of post.