Sikorsky to Build New, Faster Helicopter

AP ^ | June 1, 2005 | Lolita C. Baldor

[Righty_McRight]

Sikorsky Aircraft announced plans Wednesday, June 1, 2005, to build a new high-tech helicopter that, propelled by a new rotor system, would be much faster than conventional models. An artist's undated rendering of the new helicopter is seen here. (AP Photo/Sikorsky Aircraft)

[tje]

Nice looking bird....

[Jeff Head]

COunter rotating rotors allows for the removla of the traditional tail prop (to offset the centrifugal force), and replace it with a pusher prop. Cool.

Sounds like it has lots of promise too me.

[TFine80]

And maybe there will be a new computer game too. I loved Comanche.

[Dark Wing]

This is a coaxial compound helicopter.

It will be interesting to see if modern composites will allow it to be cost competative with traditional chopper lay outs.

The USMC would want a gunship version if it could keep up with a V-22.

Who knows, the V-22 may collapse and a USMC troop ship version of this bird may come to pass.

[blackdog]

But how do the rotors overcome ultrasonic problem?

Seems more to me like it's going to need push instead of rotor tilt, and be an airplane to some degree in fast flight.

[Fee]

I wonder how its speed and payload lift capability is compared to the V-22 Osprey? Osprey is a lot complicated because it uses a pair of tilt rotors which lifts like a helicopter, but the engines rotate on the wing and eventually flies like a prop plane. Advantage is its horizotal speed. I wonder if this new helicopter design is alot simplier mechanically and computer software wise?

[Servant of the 9]

Who knows, the V-22 may collapse and a USMC troop ship version of this bird may come to pass.

I think some type of improved helicopter is bound to replace the V-22. It is just too complex and expensive.

So9

[BenLurkin]

Goo news indeed . . .

[Jack of all Trades]

Sikorsky already built a helicopter like this in the 60's or 70'. It was called the ABC for Advancing Blade Concept. At high airspeeds the retreating blade loses lift with a single rotor. Twin counter rotating rotors eliminates this problem.

I saw the ABC fly at several airshows when I was a kid. Way cool memories. I'll see if I can find some pics.

[spokeshave]

subsidiary, Schweizer Aircraft....didn't Schweizer build the Ag-Cat crop duster..................?

[Jack of all Trades]

Here's a pic.

[Conservative Firster]

Lockheed AH-56A Cheyenne 1967

[Squawk 8888]

This is one chopper that will never get off the ground- it isn't ugly enough to be repelled by the earth.

[RayChuang88]

If they can turn that into a real helicopter, there would a surprisingly huge market for such a machine. Why? Because it would be perfect for use as an executive business transport to travel to outlying areas, and with careful rotor design it may be quiet enough to operate out of many airports with less noise abatement restrictions (maybe it'll even meet the British Quota Count 2 standard, the toughest aviation noise standard in the world).

[cynicom]

Faster??? Why not buy the Osprey or do they also believe that turkey will never fly.

[montag813]

I hope the Pentagon will reconsider its plan to take Marine One away from Sikorsky and give it to a consortium of foreign manufacturers.

[Aeronaut]

[Snickersnee]

Actually, it looks like one of several Kamov designs. Igor, call your lawyer!