HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT
In March 2010, the Armed Aerial Scout program made a request for information for an advanced helicopter. As a response Sikorsky proposed its Sikorsky S-97 Raider. Four years later, the company finally unveiled the first full production model of the groundbreaking scout and attack helicopter in the company’s facility in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The objective set for the new aircraft is to replace the army’s OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. However, specialists think that if the manufacturer’s claims about the Sikorsky S-97 Raider capabilities are true, it is almost certain that its reach will grow to cover a much wider audience. For instance, if the Raider proves useful, it might be used to replace other military helicopters such …show more content…
The space inside the helicopter can be adjusted according to needs. Thus, if need be, the space in the cockpit can be used to store additional equipment or ammunition.
According to the information disclosed by Sikorsky, the S-97 Raider is 36 ft long and weighs 8,945 lb. Its maximum takeoff weight is 11,400 lb. It is equipped with one × General Electric YT706 powerplant, and its main rotor diameter is of 34 ft. The aircraft is 6-bladed variable pitch and clutchable pusher propellers.
Performance
The S-97 has a staggering Never exceed speed of 276 mph (240 kn), and a cruising speed of 253 mph (200kn) external weapons included. The weapons include 50 cal guns w/500 rounds and a 7 shot rockets pod, Hellfire missiles and 2.75” rockets. The range exceeds 600 km and it has an endurance mean of 2.7 hours on standard fuel. In addition, the S-97 is also capable of aerial refueling. …show more content…
In addition to all these recent successes, Sikorsky and Boeing have also been chosen to work hand in hand in order to produce the SB>1 Defiant, which is a “medium-lift-sized demonstrator.” The demonstrator is built for Future Vertical Lift and is expected to fly in 2017, as advanced by Sikorsky in a press release.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
It is probably safe to say that during its 90 years of existence, Sikorsky is now stronger than ever. The rumors about the company’s divestiture have calmed down especially after the company was awarded the $1.24 billion deal to build the presidential helicopters. Therefore, although Sikorsky is one of the least revenue generating units belonging to United Technologies, the company isn’t thinking about selling it or spinning it off.
If Sikorsky continues its innovative efforts, it will eventually find more and more reliable customers than the US Army. This idea of using helicopters for civilian duties might be an interesting alternative, and selling helicopters to American allies could also help widen the company’s business
In March 2010, the Armed Aerial Scout program made a request for information for an advanced helicopter. As a response Sikorsky proposed its Sikorsky S-97 Raider. Four years later, the company finally unveiled the first full production model of the groundbreaking scout and attack helicopter in the company’s facility in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The objective set for the new aircraft is to replace the army’s OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. However, specialists think that if the manufacturer’s claims about the Sikorsky S-97 Raider capabilities are true, it is almost certain that its reach will grow to cover a much wider audience. For instance, if the Raider proves useful, it might be used to replace other military helicopters such …show more content…
The space inside the helicopter can be adjusted according to needs. Thus, if need be, the space in the cockpit can be used to store additional equipment or ammunition.
According to the information disclosed by Sikorsky, the S-97 Raider is 36 ft long and weighs 8,945 lb. Its maximum takeoff weight is 11,400 lb. It is equipped with one × General Electric YT706 powerplant, and its main rotor diameter is of 34 ft. The aircraft is 6-bladed variable pitch and clutchable pusher propellers.
Performance
The S-97 has a staggering Never exceed speed of 276 mph (240 kn), and a cruising speed of 253 mph (200kn) external weapons included. The weapons include 50 cal guns w/500 rounds and a 7 shot rockets pod, Hellfire missiles and 2.75” rockets. The range exceeds 600 km and it has an endurance mean of 2.7 hours on standard fuel. In addition, the S-97 is also capable of aerial refueling. …show more content…
In addition to all these recent successes, Sikorsky and Boeing have also been chosen to work hand in hand in order to produce the SB>1 Defiant, which is a “medium-lift-sized demonstrator.” The demonstrator is built for Future Vertical Lift and is expected to fly in 2017, as advanced by Sikorsky in a press release.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
It is probably safe to say that during its 90 years of existence, Sikorsky is now stronger than ever. The rumors about the company’s divestiture have calmed down especially after the company was awarded the $1.24 billion deal to build the presidential helicopters. Therefore, although Sikorsky is one of the least revenue generating units belonging to United Technologies, the company isn’t thinking about selling it or spinning it off.
If Sikorsky continues its innovative efforts, it will eventually find more and more reliable customers than the US Army. This idea of using helicopters for civilian duties might be an interesting alternative, and selling helicopters to American allies could also help widen the company’s business