X2 technology demonstrates manoeuvring capabilities aboard Schweizer helicopter
The fly-by-wire system for a new Sikorsky coaxial-rotor helicopter has successfully completed its maiden flight in a surrogate Schweizer 333 helicopter. The 90min flight took place over Schweizer’s facility on 3 November.
The system is programmed with advanced flight-control laws and linked to the main rotor and engines, to enable basic manoeuvring capabilities to be conducted.
The fly-by-wire system is part of Sikorsky’s X2 technology suite now under development for future rotorcraft.
“The X2 technology demonstrator programme continues to advance on plan towards first flight before the end of 2006,” says Sikorsky strategy and advanced programmes corporate vice-president Carey Bond.
Next year’s first flight will be for Sikorsky’s manned coaxial rotor prototype which will use the X2 technologies to cruise at 250kt (460km/h), compared with 150-170kt for conventional helicopters (Flight International, 7-13 June 2005).
To reach this speed, it will use a tail-mounted propulsor, probably a pusher propeller.
The X2 technologies could be applied to unmanned aircraft and is scalable from light civil helicopters right up to the USA’s planned Joint Heavy Lift rotorcraft.
These would also use one or more pusher propellers as part of an integrated auxiliary propulsion system to enable high speeds.
ROB COPPINGER/LONDON
Source: Flight International
