Stratford: Sikorsky Aircraft Corp a subsidiary of United Technologies announced is X2 Technology demonstrator achieved a speed of 181 knots in a test flight today at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, FL.
Sikorsky said in release that the X2 Technology demonstrator combines "an integrated suite of technologies intended to advance the state-of-the-art, counter-rotating coaxial rotor helicopter" and "its goal is "to demonstrate that a helicopter can cruise comfortably at 250 knots while retaining excellent low-speed handling, efficient hovering, and a seamless and simple transition to high speed".
Jim Kagdis, Program Manager said, "The X2 Technology demonstrator exceeded average helicopter speeds of a conventional helicopter, generally 160-170 knots and is proving out the technologies very well. He added, "we are flying forward to the 250-knot cruise speed."
