Company Sikorsky Aircraft, founded in America by an immigrant from Russia Igor Sikorsky, in 1942 created first in the world serial helicopter. It still produces similar vehicles. Moreover, the other day she presented Sikorsky S-97 Raider - the best helicopter of our time.
However, the S-97 Raider is not the work of Sikorsky Aircraft alone. More than 50 American firms took part in the creation of the superhelicopter. Together they created the air transport of the future.
This helicopter is based on the innovative Sikorsky X2 technology, which uses fixed counter-rotating rotors and a six-blade tail propeller. This design makes it possible to minimize the vibration of this aircraft, as well as practically eliminate it from noise during flight. At the same time, the cruising speed of the Sikorsky S-97 Raider helicopter will be 410 kilometers per hour.
Sikorsky S-97 Raider weighs just under 5 thousand kilograms and has a 2600 horsepower engine. The maximum flight altitude of this aircraft is 3 kilometers, the range is 530 km.
The Sikorsky S-97 Raider helicopter is designed for use in a wide range of military operations. Depending on the equipment, it can serve as a scout, attack aircraft, as well as transport for emergency and rescue services.
The military model Sikorsky S-97 Raider will be equipped with an automatic cannon of 7, 62 caliber, as well as Hellfire guided missiles or unguided rockets.
The US Army plans to take over the Sikorsky S-97 Raider attack helicopter in the very near future. It is expected that in the future it will completely replace the legendary American OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters, which have been in operation since 1967.