Sikorsky X-2
The Sikorsky X2 was a high-speed helicopter demonstrator that used coaxial rigid rotors and a rear pusher propeller. In 2010 it exceeded 250 knots in level flight, far faster than conventional helicopters of its size. The programme demonstrated that rotorcraft could overcome the speed limits imposed by retreating-blade stall. Its technologies directly influenced the S-97 Raider and SB-1 Defiant, making the X2 a pivotal but very rare research aircraft.
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Did you know?
The Sikorsky X2 paired coaxial rigid rotors with a rear pusher propeller to beat the speed limits normal helicopter rotors impose.
Specifications
| Length | 9.8 m (32 ft) |
|---|---|
| Height | 3.2 m (10 ft) |
| Rotor diameter | 10.1 m (33 ft) |
| Maximum passengers | 2 |
| Crew | 2 |
| Range | 400 NM (741 km) |
| Maximum speed | 253 kt (469 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 15,000 ft (4,572 m) |
| Rate of climb | 2,000 ft/min (10.2 m/s) |
| Engines | 1x LHTEC T800 |
| Units built | 1 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
In CatchFlights the Sikorsky X-2 starts as a Legendary catch. The tier is an editorial judgement of how special a sighting of this type is. The more often you catch it, the closer it moves to Common for you. The first catch of a legendary type pays a bonus of its own.
A catch counts for the manufacturer Sikorsky, the X-2 family and the model in your collection, and the daily Type Rating quiz asks about the types of each family.
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