Sikorsky X2 Heli – the fastest helicopter in the sky
It was reported last year in July that Sikorsky was on its way to turn their experimental X2 into the fastest helicopter in the world. The Sikorsky X2 has gone on to clock 299 mph (260 knots) in the company’s demonstrator model to set a new world record in speed for helicopters.
The X2 takes has the better advantage with its coaxial rotor system pair, which leaves the existing single rotor system helicopters far behind. The earlier world record for helicopter speed was held by the British Westland Lynx ZB-500, a top speed of 249 mph (216.5 knots) recorded in 1986. Compared to the famous Blackhawk helicopter from Sikorsky, the X2 roughly sets a twice as fast speed.
The X2 receive better thrust with its tail rotor, which faces backward, much similar to a boat propeller. This is more so due to X2’s advantage of coaxial rotor system, since in helicopters with single overhead rotor, the tail rotor needs to be oriented along the axis of the body in order to maintain lateral stability. The unusual X2 design does not limit its versatile flight conditions like low speed handling, auto-rotation safety, hovering and smooth transition to higher speed, all due to its fly-by-wire controls.
The X2 is considered as a demonstration of technology, which is aimed at taking helicopter technology to the next level of cruising, which would be around double the speed of conventional helicopters. Sikorsky is vying to cater to the potential market for fast helicopters in the civilian and military arena. There is a strong belief that both markets have deep interests in fast medical helicopters that are capable of reducing the response time to transport patients from remote areas. The release dates are not yet out, but it is expected that Sikorsky X2 will hit production within a few years.
