"Sikorsky video of the September test flight during which its X2 Technology coaxial-rotor helicopter demonstrator achieved its 250kt speed goal. Conventional helicopters cruise at around 150kt. The X2 reached 260kt in a shallow dive as is expected to exceed 250kt in level flight once a sail fairing is fitted between the upper and lower rotors to reduce drag further. X2 uses a single T800 engine to power both the rotors and the tail-mounted variable-pitch propeller, which provides forward thrust to enable the high speed. Other technologies include fly-by-wire flight controls and active vibration control. As the video opens you see a full-scale mockup of Sikorsky’s proposed X2 Light Tactical Helicopter in the hangar.” — theworacle (via uniquedaily.com)
7 Comments
radxGuess what the similar projekt by Eurocopter is called? That's right, X³. What a coincidence ...
Anyway, there's a Bo 46 in the museum around the corner (~50km). Fascinating design, might even work with modern composite materials.
Engelssays...for the record, 260 kts is ~300 mph
Lowensays...Nice aircraft
PaybackExcellent! Most coaxial designs get rid of the tail rotor altogether...
pho3n1xIf I were to personify a helicopter, it'd say "Fuck you physics, I got this shit..."
mxxcon"this is why we come to work every morning".
engineering is awesome
but they are building a murder machine..
even eurocopter x3 linked above was designed with some civilian uses.
this thing is 100% pure military machine.
jubuttibsays...>> ^Payback:
Excellent! Most coaxial designs get rid of the tail rotor altogether...
Well, this one doesn't have a tail rotor in the conventional sense either. That thing on the back is a propeller rather than a tail rotor.
Discuss...
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