Sikorsky Begins Ground Tests Of S-97 RAIDER Rotorcraft

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp has begun the ground testing for the S-97 RAIDER program.

The RAIDER is an armed reconnaissance rotorcraft designed to outmatch conventional military helicopters in maneuverability, payload, speed, range and high/hot environmental conditions.

"Testing all of the aircraft's systems together, for the first time, marks significant progress in the development of this next generation helicopter and moves the program closer to first flight," S-97 RAIDER Program Manager Mark Hammond said in the company’s press release on Wednesday.

During the ground runs phase, the S-97 RAIDER team is testing the first of two aircraft prototypes as a completed system for the first time.

The team will perform initial ground tests with the aircraft tied down and will focus on verifying correct operation of the propulsion system, drive train, rotor control system, and pilot-vehicle interface.

This testing comes on the heels of the recent completion of software qualification testing, component fatigue testing, and gearbox testing, for the first S-97 RAIDER prototype.

In addition to ground runs for the first prototype, the program team at Sikorsky's Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, is prepared to begin final assembly of the second prototype S-97 RAIDER helicopter, following acceptance last month of the fuselage structure from Aurora Flight Sciences. Sikorsky rolled out the first prototype in October 2014.  

Based on Sikorsky's rigid X2 rotor coaxial design, the S-97 RAIDER helicopter features next-generation technologies in a multi-mission configuration, capable of carrying six troops and external weapons. The coaxial counter-rotating main rotors and pusher propeller provide cruise speeds up to 220 knots (253 mph).

"We look forward to the opportunity to demonstrate the RAIDER's revolutionary performance and unmatched maneuverability for the US Army," said Steve Engebretson Director Advanced Military Programs. "We're delivering on our promise to design and build a helicopter with performance capabilities not seen before."

The S-97 RAIDER helicopter demonstrator program is 100 percent industry-funded. Sikorsky provides 75 percent of the investment and the suppliers provide the remaining funding. Sikorsky's goal is to attract government interest in the program.

Sikorsky launched the S-97 RAIDER program in October 2010 with the objectives of maturing the X2 rotorcraft design and offering a helicopter to meet US Army reconnaissance and special operations needs.