Sikorsky is close to breaking the helicopter speed record with its groundbreaking X2, set to pass the 250-knot mark – that’s 287 miles per hour – by year’s end. That’s nearly twice as fast as the company’s famed Blackhawk, while the current speed record for any helicopter is held by the Westland Lynx at 249 mph, or about 220 knots; but whereas the Lynx only managed that speed once (way back in 1986) the X2 plans to surpass it as a matter of course, giving the lie to the widely held belief that helis simply cannot exceed 250 mph without spinning out of control.
The X2 employs a pair of coaxial rotor systems topsides, rather than the single rotor found on most helicopters. The tail rotor faces also backward, like the propeller on boat, in order to provide thrust for the aircraft; on helicopters with a single main rotor overhead, the tail rotor is oriented along the main axis of the aircraft provide lateral stability. Even with its unusual design the X2, which features fly-by-wire controls, can maintain excellent low speed handling, efficient hovering, autorotation safety, and a seamless and simple transition to high speed. We have no idea how many millions Sikorsky plans to charge once the X2’s perfected, but the smart money says place your order now.
via: JamesList
