The S-97 Raider light tactical helicopter that has been unveiled by Sikorsky will soon enough have a special place in the US Army once its test flight results this year show promise. The aircraft could even be the best replacement for Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, which was formerly the army's aerial vehicle of choice for special operations.
Just this Thursday, October 2, Sikorsky Aircraft unveiled two S-97 Raider Prototypes at its facility located in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Company officials said during the unveiling of the aircraft that test flights are to commence this year, Janes.com has learned.
"Sikorsky will begin ground testing shortly and is on track for first flight this year," Sikorsky's Advanced Military Program Director Steve Engerbretson said. "The entire flight program will take about a year to complete."
Engerbretson went on to reveal the target period when they will start the test flights of the S-97 Raider light tactical helicopter, saying "after the test flight program is complete, probably in the first quarter of 2016."
The sturdy aircraft is said to have been designed to function as both an armed aerial scout and light assault aircraft; hence, Sikorsky is offering it to the US Army right away.
The S-97 Raider is capable of carrying about six troops and external weapons at fast speeds since its pusher propeller provides speeds of up to 220 knots or 253 mph, which is twice the speed of the typical combat helicopters.
Sikorsky is currently offering the S-97 Raider light tactical helicopter to the US Army as replacement to the Belll OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, which is commonly used as the special operations platform, reported Defense-Update.com.
"Today, Sikorsky unveiled the next generation of military rotorcraft, with capabilities and performance never seen before in our industry," Sikorsky President Mick Maurer said. "Just four years ago, we announced plans to build the S-97 RAIDER and teamed with some of the best companies in the industry, understanding the need to ensure aircraft development would not falter as government defense budgets shrank in response to economic pressures. Sikorsky is proud of its leadership in this area, and of the leadership the S-97 RAIDER represents among the world's military rotorcraft."
The S-97 Raider is roughly based on Sikorsky's rigid X2 rotor coaxial design, which explains why it is considered a high-speed rotorcraft.
"Military rotorcraft fleets need maximum performance and increased capabilities to achieve their objectives," Maurer said of the S-97 Raider light tactical helicopter. "The RAIDER delivers on that with its greatly improved maneuverability and speed, significantly improved high/hot hover performance, and greater range and endurance."
Check out the video below to find out how this S-97 helicopter looks like:
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