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Sikorsky Breaks Helicopter Speed Limit By 100 Knots
Ingenuity, $50 million of Sikorskys money, six years, stolen parts, endless bananas, a foot, and 12 trashed egos combined to push helicopter technology past a barrier that begins around 150 to 160 knots true airspeed, a barrier that had stood for 60 years. Sikorskys X2 exceeded that speed by 100 knots, kicked past the barrier by a propeller on its tail designed like one used in the Reno air races. It all started because someone told Sikorsky engineer Steve Weiner it couldnt be done. Make a note: Never say cant to Steve. His team built the single-seat X2 technology demonstrator, tested it in subzero temperatures of New York, and broke the record in the steamy haze that Floridians call air. Sikorsky owns Schweitzer Aircraft in Horseheads, New York, where the X2 was built, and bases its Sikorsky Innovations group in the wetlands northwest of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Mosquitoes and swamp fleas are constant companions, and alligators slide under workers cars for a snooze. Check before driving. At the time of the X2s final planned flight on July 14, it had gone 253 knots true airspeed in level flight (in 2010), 263 in a one-degree descent, and might have gone 280 to 290 knots with an aerodynamic fairing between the two rotors (now a new barrier emerges300 knots). The goal was 250 knots, and Sikorsky decided to stop the testswhich achieved success in only 17 flights, and won the 2010 Collier trophyand put the technology to practical use in an upcoming Raider helicopter for the U.S. Army. Intended cruise speed, especially with external weapons mounted, is 210 to 220 knots. The Raider happens to be the perfect size for an executive transport helicopter. Posted by: Anonymoose 2011-09-22 |
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