Sikorsky X2 – the speed and the challenge meet luxury
Sikorsky Aircraft was founded by a man who loved engineering aircraft. His name was Igor Sikorsky and he founded the company in 1925. It was originally called Sikorsky Manufacturing Company. Aircraft production for that company began in 1925 in Roosevelt, NY and later moved to Stratford, CT.
As early as 1942 Sikorsky Aircraft was the leading manufacturer of helicopters and it remains so today…almost 70 years later. Its first big hit was actually the very first ever single rotor, fully controllable helicopter that was stable. Imagine, now almost 70 years later and it is bringing out another innovative creation. Sikorsky is the supplier of the United States President’s Helicopter and has been since 1957.
The Sikorsky X2 is currently an experimental helicopter that is being developed by Sikorsky Aircraft. Its first test flight was in August of 2008. It was a 30 minute flight. The test flight was the first phase in a four phase test flight program. The ultimate plan is to reach a speed of 250 KTAS. In subsequent testing, the pusher propeller was fully engaged in mid 2009 and in May of 2010, phase 3 was completed. In phase 3 the X2 hit a top speed of 181 KTAS.
Though still in testing, the X2 looks to be a formidable addition to the ever growing Sikorsky family. It will have applications in both military and civilian worlds. From being armed or ready for search and rescue missions for the military to carrying businessmen or being chartered for a family vacation in the civilian world, this helicopter will definitely be put to use.
With the chopper still being in testing, the full specs have not yet been released and neither has the projected cost of this beast of an air machine.
