Chasing a world speed record, Sikorsky Aircraft's chief test pilot finally got the opportunity Tuesday to open up the Stratford company's latest helicopter, flying the X2 at 181 knots.
Kevin Bredenbeck took the aircraft out for a high-speed spin, putting the 216.5-knot speed record clearly on the horizon.
In 2005, Sikorsky unveiled its unique design that includes stacked, overhead counter rotating blades and a propeller at the rear of the aircraft instead of the traditional tail rotor. The company announced plans to go after the 250-knot goal in 2009, when it moved the project to its West Palm Beach, Fla., facility for high-speed testing.
The world's fastest helicopter flight was clocked at approximately 216.5 knots, or 249 mph, in August 1986 by John Eggington and Derek Clews aboard a Westland Lynx in England, according to the Federation Aeronautique Internationale of France.
Sikorsky said it could hit 250 knots, or 287 mph, within months, but much will depend on performance review and weather conditions. But the helicopter is meeting expectations, according to the program manager.
"The X2 technology demonstrator today exceeded average helicopter speeds of a conventional helicopter, generally 160-170 knots," said Jim Kagdis, program manager of Sikorsky Advanced Programs. "The demonstrator is proving out the technologies very well, from the active vibration control system to the fly-by-wire controls. There are no show-stoppers here so far, and now the program turns a corner, as this completes phase three of four. We are flying forward to the 250-knot cruise speed."
Analysts have said the X2 is one of the bright spots in a helicopter industry in need of more creativity and excitement.
If all goes as expected, the X2 could challenge for a number of potentially large military contracts, especially for reconnaissance.