To meet the stringent requirements of the S-97, Sikorsky partnered with companies including Rotating Composite Technologies, Hexcel and Eagle Aviation Technologies. The fuselage of the helicopter is built of composite materials to provide the lightweight, strength and toughness needed in extreme conditions.
“The power of X2 is game changing. It combines the best elements of low-speed helicopter performance with the cruise performance of an airplane,” said Sikorsky experimental test pilot Bill Fell, a retired Army pilot. “Every flight we take in our S-97 RAIDER today reduces risk and optimizes our FARA prototype, RAIDER X.”
Sikorsky will also continue to work on the X2 Technology program as part of the RAIDER X project.
