Kevin Bredenbeck, the pilot who flew the revolutionary X2 Technology™ demonstrator last year to an unofficial speed record for conventional helicopters, has been recognized by the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) with the Iven C. Kincheloe Award for the year’s outstanding professional accomplishment in the conduct of flight testing.
Much deserved! Thanks for posting John.
Was X2 just a publicity stunt? Not really, since it took ABC ideas already demonstrated in XH59 flights and developed them to the point that a helicopter can efficiently operate from hover up to a significant increase in cruising speed. The technology has now caught up with the physical requirements.
Why was X2 consigned to museum after achieving its objective? Because that way it has an umblemished record. This then paves the way for the S97 Raider to be based on flight proven technology.
The data collected from the X2 flights will no doubt be used to improve the design of the S97. This may very well include increased rotor spacing and improved blade aerodynamic optimisation: improved concept design analysis techniques for example. The point is that high cruise speed helicopters that don't compromise the hover are a reality, and the rest is just good engineering.