The RAIDER X prototype was unveiled on the annual AUSA 2023 convention.

The annual Affiliation of the USA Military (AUSA) 2023 convention grew to become the venue the place Sikorsky lastly launched photographs of its entry to the U.S. Military Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) mission. The FARA program is ready to accumulate the subsequent technology of scout helicopters, which fills the position of the now retired OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. Sikorsky’s RAIDER X is scheduled to compete in a fly-off with the Bell 360 Invictus. With Boeing, AVX/L3 Harris, and Karem having stepped off this system, Bell and Sikorsky stays the final two contenders for the subsequent technology of US Military scout helicopters.

Sikorsky goals for a 2024 first flight of the RAIDER X

At the moment the RAIDER X prototype is claimed to be 98% full, because the plane awaits completion of the GE T901 Improved Engine Turbine Program (ITEP). With the brand new engine set to be completed later this month, the primary flight is scheduled to be earlier than the fourth quarter of 2024. In the intervening time the RAIDER X workforce is ready for the supply of the brand new T901 engine and plans on instantly beginning the set up course of upon arrival. After integration and a profitable floor testing section, RAIDER X ought to quickly take to the skies inside a yr.

By means of the in depth testing program of the S-97 and X2, the RAIDER X utilises a pusher prop together with its coaxial principal rotors to offer a quick cruise pace and enhanced manoeuvrability in comparison with typical rotary wing platforms. In accordance with the corporate, RAIDER X will likely be able to low and high-speed manoeuvres exceeding 70° financial institution angle. An emphasis on the US Military’s Modular Open Techniques Strategy (MOSA) was made in the course of the improvement course of to permit room for simple upgrades in system structure sooner or later. Sikorsky has acknowledged that it plans on delivering a leap-ahead functionality and allow speedy upgrades by utilising MOSA.

Wonwoo is a scholar journalist and contributor to The Aviationist primarily based in London, United Kingdom. At the moment finding out MEng in Aeronautical Engineering with a eager curiosity in OSINT, airplane recognizing and plane design. He’s a former Sergeant of the Republic of Korea Military, having served as an artillery Hearth Route Centre Car Radio Operator.

Read Also:   SBA's Unmanned Aerial Systems Cluster Initiative Appoints Vigilant Aerospace CEO as Co-Chair of Advisory Council