Future Vertical Lift

U.S. Army Pilots Fly Autonomous Sikorsky Helicopter in First-of-its-Kind Demonstration

Retrieved on: 
Monday, October 29, 2018
Aviation, Aircraft, Future Vertical Lift, Sikorsky S-76, Helicopter, Aircraft pilot

The series of flights marked the first time that non-Sikorsky pilots operated the Sikorsky Autonomy Research Aircraft (SARA), a modified S-76B commercial helicopter, as an OPV aircraft.

Key Points: 
  • The series of flights marked the first time that non-Sikorsky pilots operated the Sikorsky Autonomy Research Aircraft (SARA), a modified S-76B commercial helicopter, as an OPV aircraft.
  • "Future vertical lift aircraft will require robust autonomous and optimally-piloted systems to complete missions and improve safety," said Chris Van Buiten, vice president, Sikorsky Innovations.
  • The aircraft was operated at different times by pilots on board and pilots on the ground.
  • "We're demonstrating a certifiable autonomy solution that is going to drastically change the way pilots fly," said Mark Ward , Sikorsky Chief Pilot, Stratford, Conn.

Sikorsky S-97 Raider Exceeds 200 Knots as Company Prepares Proposal for U.S. Army's Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft

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Thursday, October 4, 2018
Aircraft, Rotorcraft, Aviation, Sikorsky S-97 Raider, Future Vertical Lift, Lockheed Martin, Helicopter, Sikorsky Aircraft, VTOL aircraft, Sikorsky X2

Raider, developed by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) company, is based on the company's proven X2 Technology , enabling speeds twice that of conventional helicopters.

Key Points: 
  • Raider, developed by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) company, is based on the company's proven X2 Technology , enabling speeds twice that of conventional helicopters.
  • "The Sikorsky S-97 Raider flight test program is exceeding expectations, demonstrating Raider's revolutionary speed, maneuverability and agility," said Tim Malia, Sikorsky director, Future Vertical Lift Light.
  • Sikorsky continues to demonstrate the application of its X2 Technology as the company prepares its proposal for the U.S. Army's Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) competition, driving forward the Army's efforts to revolutionize its aircraft fleet as part of what is known as Future Vertical Lift.
  • The development of X2 Technology and the Raider program has been funded entirely by significant investments by Sikorsky, Lockheed Martin and industry partners.