Originally Posted by
Droop Snoot
Stunning irony if Bell beats SAC with a conventional single main rotor design.
Its starting to sound like there is a power deficit with a single engine for both camps, however much more of a detriment for Raider X. There was even an unsolicited comment from Sikorsky in an interview regarding the Raider X cruising at 230 kts with a second engine, so if that isn't insight as to what is going on, I'm not sure what is.
The real issue for Sikorsky is that both they and Bell have already basically completed the demonstrator aircraft designed around a single engine. I don't find it unlikely at all, and it would be an immense embarrassment for Sikorsky, if the conventional Invictus actually demonstrates higher speeds and Sikorsky has to try and convince everyone that their platform actually would be faster with more installed power.
Assuming the historical X2 vibration and rotor load woes are magically solved, this would give the Army an "out" if they want to select Raider based on the "industry base" rationale.