Sikorsky to advance VTOL X-Plane programme
The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded Sikorsky Phase 1 of the VTOL Experimental Aircraft (X-Plane) programme.
The new contract, valued at $15 million, aims to develop the preliminary design for a high-speed vertical take-off and landing aircraft, with the hover capability of a helicopter.
Sikorsky Innovations is developing its unmanned Rotor Blown Wing (RBW) concept for the VTOL X-Plane in conjunction with Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works.
The contract duration is 22 months, and DARPA has set a programme timeframe for Sikorsky to build and fly a demonstrator aircraft with first flight slated for the fourth
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