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AEROSPACE
Sikorsky flies S-97 Raider prototype
by Richard Tomkins
West Palm Beach, Fla. (UPI) May 26, 2015


Giant cargo helicopter enters series production
Moscow (UPI) May 26, 2015 - A modernized version of Russian Helicopters' Mi-26T multi-purpose heavy transport aircraft has entered series production, the company says.

The Mi-26T2 helicopter can carry more than 44,000 pounds of cargo inside its cabin or on an external sling and is being manufactured at the Rostvertol plant in Rostov on Don.

The helicopter can also carry more than 80 soldiers.

"We announce the start of production on the modernized heavy Mi-26T2 helicopter," said Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Russian Helicopters Andrey Shibitov. "Mi-26 helicopters are unparalleled in terms of their flight capabilities, and this modernization significantly expands their potential operational use."

The Mi-26T2 is equipped with a glass cabin, five multifunction LCD displays, control board, duplicate electro-mechanical instruments, and an upgraded digital communications suite. It can be operated at any time of day or night and in difficult weather conditions. It does not need to be maintained or serviced at an airfield, and can be based autonomously for long periods of time.

Rostvertol, a Russian Helicopters company, produces a wide range of Mi- helicopters, including the Mi-28N Night Hunter, the Mi-35M combat support helicopter, and the Mi-26T, and now the Mi-26T2.

Sikorsky Aircraft's prototype S-97 rigid coaxial rotor helicopter has begun a series of tests to demonstrate its advanced capabilities.

The first test at the company's Development Flight Center last week involved a one-hour series of maneuvers to test the S-97 Raider's hover and low-speed capability. Future tests will demonstrate capabilities essential for combat operations such as armed reconnaissance, light assault, light attack and special operations.

"Sikorsky has a long tradition of pioneering new aviation technologies including the first practical helicopter," Sikorsky President Bob Leduc said "Today's (May 22) first flight of the S-97 Raider represents the latest leap forward for Sikorsky, our customers, and the rotorcraft industry.

"The industry has demanded high performance and high value from the products that execute critical missions, and, today, the Raider helicopter has given us an exciting look at the future of vertical flight."

The S-97 Raider helicopter program was begun in 2010 by Sikorsky to mature the Collier-Award winning X2 rotorcraft configuration and produce a helicopter that meets current U.S. Army special operations and armed reconnaissance needs. The research and development has been completely self-funded by the company and 53 industry partners.

The Raider prototype has a unique multi-mission configuration. Its coaxial counter-rotating main rotors and pusher propeller are capable of providing cruise speeds of as much as 276 miles per hour, Sikorsky said.

"Getting an all-new aircraft into flight, especially one with game-changing capabilities, is a remarkable feat," said Mark Miller, vice president of Research & Engineering. "With this first flight of the S-97 Raider helicopter, Sikorsky Aircraft is proving once again that the tough challenges will always propel us forward."

"With the Raider aircraft's unmatched combination of speed, maneuverability and acoustic signature, Sikorsky Aircraft is ideally positioned to provide the military with essential mission-specific capabilities," added Samir Mehta, president of Sikorsky Defense Systems & Services. "With this flight, we have started the demonstration of solutions to not only near-term capability gaps but also solutions for future vertical lift needs."

A second S-97 Raider prototype is expected to be completed later this year.


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South Korea detains officers for alleged falsified helo test reports
Seoul (UPI) May 26, 2015
Three South Korean Navy officers have been detained by the government over suspicions of filing false assessment reports on AgustaWestland helicopters. The helicopters were AW-159 Wildcats, which the military has selected to replace Lynx helicopters now in service. Rejected in the contract bid was the Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk helicopter. The JoongAng Ilbo newspaper reported the thr ... read more


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