Sikorsky begins S-97 Raider ground tests
Sikorsky Aircraft has begun bladed ground testing for its S-97 Raider armed reconnaissance rotorcraft, the company announced on 4 February. This marks a major milestone for the S-97 Raider programme.
The Raider is designed to outmatch conventional military helicopters in high/hot environmental conditions, range, speed, payload and manoeuvrability. The ground run phase will see the programme team test the first of two Raider prototypes as a complete system for the first time. The team will undertake initial ground tests and verify the performance of the rotorcraft's pilot-vehicle interface, rotor control systems, drive train and propulsion system.
Meanwhile, the programme team at the company's development flight centre in West Palm Beach, Florida is making preparations for the final assembly of the second Raider prototype.
The S-97 Raider programme, which launched in October 2010, aims at meeting the special operations and reconnaissance needs of the US Army. It based on the rigid X2 rotor coaxial design by Sikorsky and features next-generation technologies in a multi-mission configuration. The rotorcraft can carry six troops along with external weapons, with a cruise speed of up to 220 knots.
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