Features Aircraft Innovations
Sikorsky introduces X2 Technology simulator

X2 Technology combines an integrated suite of technologies to advance the state-of-the-art, counter-rotating coaxial rotor helicopter. It is designed to demonstrate that a helicopter can cruise comfortably at 250 knots while retaining such desirable attributes as excellent low-speed handling, efficient hovering, and a seamless and simple transition to high speed. Sikorsky introduced the X2 Technology demonstrator in 2005, and the program has been steadily progressing through flight testing with the goal of achieving the 250-knot speed later this year.

Among the innovative technologies the X2 Technology demonstrator employs are fly-by-wire flight controls, counter-rotating rigid rotor blades, hub drag reduction, active vibration control, and an integrated auxiliary propulsion system.

“The X2 LTH simulator will demonstrate the military application of the capabilities that we are proving out with our X2 Technology demonstrator,” said Teresa Carleton, Vice President, Mission Systems Integration. “With the simulator, we can fly a light tactical helicopter variation of the X2 Technology demonstrator through various mission scenarios, and demonstrate the advantages of speed, high agility, low acoustic signature, and low vibrations. It will be a tremendous, mobile tool that we can bring to potential customers to give them a ‘hands on’ sense of the flight and mission advantages we are bringing to the aviation landscape.”

As the simulator program progresses, it will be enhanced to allow integration and demonstration of technologies that support advanced mission tactics, manned–unmanned teaming, and the optionally piloted helicopter program that Sikorsky Innovations is developing.