| X2 Chopper Could Reach 250 Knots |
Sikorsky aircraft is revving up for the first test flight of what could become the fastest helicopter ever fielded in battle: The recently unveiled 5,300-pound X2 demonstrator attack chopper, built to reach sustained speeds of 250 knots.
"For a light tactical helicopter, the X2 could be arrayed with a gun, rockets or some more precise weapons like Hellfire. We are in early discussions with customers to see what their needs are," said Jim Kagdis, program manger for advanced programs, Sikorsky Aircraft.
If the speed of 250 knots is achieved and sustained, the X2 helicopter will be 80 knots faster than the current Apache attack helicopter, which hits maximum speeds of 170 knots.
The X2 is built with two overlapping lightweight composite rotor blades, the same 1,400 horsepower engine once built for the canceled Comanche helicopter, and a pusher prop providing thrust from the rear of the aircraft, Kagdis said.
If built and deployed as intended, the 250 knot high-speed X2 helicopter would nearly double the current speed of the U.S.Army UH-60 Black Hawk, also made by Sikorsky, which flies at a maximum speed of 135 knots.
Army Aviation leaders are closely watching the X2, which is now going through ground runs in anticipation its first test flight later this year from a test site in Elmira, N.Y.
"I like what they are attempting to do, but I want to see it go 250 knots. When I see it go 250 knots, I want it to be able to maintain the same agility that you have with conventional rotorcraft," said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Stephen Mundt, who directs the Army Aviation Task Force.
The X2 demonstrator is also built with so-called fly-by-wire technology, allowing the aircraft to fly automatically in the event that a pilot is injured, Kagdis said.
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