Taking it slow with the X2 flight testing
Sikorsky is probably taking it slow with the X2 flight test program due to still being a little gun-shy with control of a rigid rotor aircraft. Recall that they had a crash very early in the flight testing of the XH-59 (ABC) program, that set them back about 2 years.
One thing I find interesting about the X2 is the unique sound that its rigid rotors produce. It sounds more like a turboprop than a traditional helo's rotor or even the V-22's prop-rotors.
As for the max speed with the X2, I've seen lots of recent patent applications from Sikorsky covering two-speed drivetrain arrangements. Does anyone know if the rotor system on the X2 is intended to run at variable speeds?