S-97 Raider Sikorsky
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S-97 Raider Light Tactical Helicopter
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The Sikorsky S-97 Raider is a proposed high-speed scout and attack helicopter based on the X2 helicopter and currently under development by Sikorsky Aircraft. Sikorsky launched the S-97 RAIDER helicopter program in September 2010, with objectives of maturing the X2 rotorcraft configuration and demonstrating a helicopter that meets current U.S. Army special operations and armed reconnaissance needs, while maturing technologies for Future Vertical Lift (FVL). It was attended as a contender for the US Army's Armed Aerial Scout program, launched to replace the Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior and now cancelled. Sikorsky's official confirmed in May 2015 that the S-97 is a demonstrator for a larger aircraft that would fit the US Army's Joint Multi-Role helicopter replacement program for the service's Black Hawk fleet: the SB-1 Defiant, made in cooperation with Boeing.
The S-97 RAIDER aircraft’s capabilities will meet both conventional U.S. Army and Special Operations future requirements in a variety of combat roles. Additionally, potential applications for US Air Force, US Navy, and US Marine Corps services are being explored. The S-97 Raider technology will be scalable to a variety of military missions including light assault, light attack, armed reconnaissance, close-air support, combat search and rescue, and unmanned applications. Sikorsky's S-97 Raider made its maiden flight on 22 May 2015. The second prototype was displayed to the public in October 2015. After two flight hours and a few months of testbench validation of the propulsion drivetrain, the first prototype could be now ready to reach high speeds around 2016. |
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The S-97 Raider light tactical helicopter is 11.2m long, 4.8 m wide and 2.43 m hide. It is fitted with a 10 lt diameter rotor and a 2.13m diameter propeller in the rear. The S-97 Raider airframe, fabricated in Bridgeport, West Virginia, is 70% composite (by weight) and comprised of over 1,000 custom detail components in six major primary and secondary structure assemblies. The cockpit will fit two pilots, seated side-by-side. The flexible cabin space will carry up to six combat-equipped troops, or additional fuel and ammunition for extended missions.
The helicopter will be fitted with twin rigid co-axial counter-rotating main rotors. An auxiliary internal fuel tank will be provided aft of the cockpit for extended mission support and operational flexibility. The helicopter features a retractable landing gear. Up to four aircraft can be loaded in a C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter. |
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Propulsion
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The S-97 Raider will be a single-engine rotorcraft. The rotorcraft is powered by a General Electric YT706-GE-700R, part of GE's T700/CT7 engine family, and is currently used in the MH-60M for the US Army Special Forces. The YT706 is a 2,500-3,000 shaft-horsepower powerplant that includes a FADEC. GE is also developing the GE3000 for the Army's ITEP (Improved Turbine Engine Program) initiative that is planned as the next-generation 3000-SHP-class engine for medium-lift applications. This technology could also be incorporated into future engines for the Raider helicopter. The pusher type clutched propeller will enable the S-97 to fly at speeds up to 400 km/h, twice more than actual rotorcraft platforms. It has a maximum speed of 440 km/h.
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Avionics
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The S-97 Raider features fly-by-wire flight controls. The Raider is also equipped with cockpit multifunction displays and control display units (CDU). The S-97 Raider is the first helicopter which have been fitted with TTEthernet technology. TTTech, which designed TTEthernet, defines time-triggered or "deterministic" Ethernet as a networked communication technology that uses time scheduling to bring deterministic real-time communication to standard IEEE 802 Ethernet. UTC Aerospace Systems provided the SmartProbe air data sensor, integrated static port sensors and outside air temperature sensors, as well as active vibration control unit, environmental control systems. Meggitt’s Failsafe technology prevents aircraft fuel systems from rupturing from the impact of crashes or bullets, while the fire protection systems provide fully integrated detection and suppression.
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The S-97 Raider will be able to carry a wide range of armaments including Hellfire missiles, 2.75in rockets, a .50 cal gun and a 7.62mm gun. The S-97 Raider has been designed to perform a complete spectrum of missions, including assault, armed reconnaissance, close-air support, combat search and rescue, and unmanned applications, and can potentially be fitted with dedicated missions packages.
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