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According to Sikorsky, which manufactures the futuristic X2 helicopter, the chopper flew a blistering 250 knots during recent tests -- and reached 260 knots (or 300 mph) during a controlled dive. "The aerospace industry today has a new horizon," said Sikorsky President Jeffrey P. Pino. "The X2 Technology demonstrator continues to prove its potential as a game-changer, and Sikorsky Aircraft is proud to be advancing this innovative technology and to continue our company's pioneering legacy."![X2_Breaks_Speed_Barriers]()
What makes it so fast? After all, the old rotary-wing air speed record of 249 miles per hour had been set in 1986, and the new design clearly exceeds those speeds, having already bested the quarter-century old record in early August -- earning it the unofficial title of fastest helicopter on the planet.![250 Knots ... and Climbing]()
Ultrahigh speeds traditionally pose problems for helicopters due to the complex aerodynamics of moving rotor blades, such as those on the tail that counter the torque of the main rotor. Sirkorsky has addressed this issue with a six-blade, rear-facing propeller that generates thrust in a manner similar to fixed-wing aircraft. Most importantly, Sirkorsky has been able to integrate these speed enhancements without compromising other flight qualities such as hovering, handling, and smooth transitioning from low to high speeds.![Double_Blades]()
Phil Keating caught a demonstration flight of the X2 chopper recently, and called it a world-class demonstration -- which included a drag race with a standard helicopter, a Bell 407. Needless to say, by the time the Bell reached the finish line 3,000 feet down the runway, the X2 was long gone.![Ready to Build -- Almost]()
The Russians have a similarly designed attack helicopter, the Kamov KA-50, known as the "Black Shark." It looks similar to the US Army's Apache, but with two rotors stacked above each other. As of now, there is no Pentagon contract, but Sikorsky is eager to begin manufacturing. On October 20, at a press conference seen here, the company committed to building additional prototypes.![X2 Helicopter]()
Sirkorsky believes that there will be many relevant applications for a well-rounded high speed chopper -- even including high-speed transport in remote locations. And health care experts are intrigued by the potential of this twice-as-fast design, to augment the EMS helicopters you see ferrying critically injured patients to trauma centers for life saving treatment.The Double-Bladed, Record-Breaking, 300-MPH Copter
A wild new design for helicopters from Sikorsky is proving wildly successful -- and has set an unofficial air speed record.
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- The Double-Bladed, Record-Breaking, 300-MPH Copter
