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2014-12-01
RAIDER REVOLUTION
S-97 Helicopter’s technology looms as ‘game-changer’
Imagine a next-generation attack helicopter platform so advanced that it can reach speeds more than 220 knots, flying as high as 10,000 feet in 95° heat. The Sikorsky S-97 Raider helicopter is poised to do it and revolutionise next-generation military aviation.
The S-97 Raider aircraft multi-mission capabilities will meet both conventional US Army and special operations future requirements in a variety of combat roles. Sikorsky is also reviewing potential applications for USAF, US Navy, and US Marine Corp services.
Sikorsky Aircraft has invested in the X2 Technology to illustrate its commitment to developing future capabilities that are achievable and affordable. X2 technology is scalable to a variety of military missions including assault, armed reconnaissance, close-air support, combat search and rescue, and unmanned applications.
Like the X2 Technology demonstrator aircraft that unofficially broke the helicopter speed record in 2010, the S-97 Raider helicopter prototypes will feature twin coaxial counter-rotating main rotors (in place of one main rotor and a tail rotor) and a pusher propeller.
For the armed reconnaissance mission, the S-97 Raider helicopter will have space aft of the cockpit for armament and auxiliary fuel. In an assault configuration, the cabin will afford space to accommodate up to six troops.
In addition to flying at nearly twice the speed of a conventional helicopter, the S-97 Raider prototype aircraft will incorporate other key performance parameters critical to combat operations — increased maneuverability, greater endurance, and the ability to operate at high altitudes.
Compared with other light military helicopters, the Raider prototypes are expected to significantly reduce turning radius and acoustic noise signature, while significantly increasing the aircraft’s payload, flight endurance and hot and high hover capability.
Last October the first of two S-97 RAIDER helicopter prototypes were unveiled, signalling the start of activities in the program’s test flight phase and a major step toward demonstrating the new – and first – armed reconnaissance rotorcraft featuring X2 Technology designed for military missions.
“Sikorsky unveiled the next generation of military rotorcraft, with capabilities and performance never seen before in our industry,” said Sikorsky president Mick Maurer.
“Just four years ago, we announced plans to build the S-97 Raider and teamed with some of the best companies in the industry, understanding the need to ensure aircraft development would not falter as government defense budgets shrank in response to economic pressures. Sikorsky is proud of its leadership in this area, and of the leadership the S-97 RAIDER represents among the world’s military rotorcraft.”
Based on Sikorsky’s rigid X2 rotor coaxial design, the S-97 Raider helicopter features next-generation technologies in a multi-mission configuration (armed aerial scout or light assault), capable of carrying six troops and external weapons.
The technology is claimed to offer safer high-speed flights with improved efficiency and safety. The helicopter is suitable for assault and armed reconnaissance missions. The technology is, however, scalable to a range of other missions such as close-air support, combat search and rescue and special operations.
The coaxial counter-rotating main rotors and pusher propeller provide cruise speeds up to 220 knots (253 mph), more than double the speed of conventional helicopters. Sikorsky will offer the Raider aircraft as a replacement for the US Army’s OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter fleet based on the Army’s future operational and financial priorities, and for the special operations platform.
Designed with a lower turning radius and acoustic noise signature, the S-97 is expected to be a game-changer in the light military helicopters segment.
“Military rotorcraft fleets need maximum performance and increased capabilities to achieve their objectives,” Maurer said. “The Raider delivers on that with its greatly improved manoeuvrability and speed, significantly improved high/hot hover performance, and greater range and endurance.”
The single-engine Raider features a composite airframe and a maximum gross weight of slightly more than 11,000 lbs. The aircraft will be capable of carrying an array of weapons and sensors, necessary for the mission. The cockpit will fit two pilots, seated side-by-side. The flexible cabin space will carry up to six combat-equipped troops, or additional fuel and ammunition for extended missions.
“Raider marks the first unveiling of a new relevant rotorcraft configuration in 30 years,” said Mark Miller, Vice President of Research & Engineering. “With the Raider program, Sikorsky has brought innovation to every aspect of the process, rethinking the way we design, build, test and support the product.
“We’ve kept a close eye on lowering development, production and support costs while increasing productivity and quality, and we are confident that the RAIDER is the solution for the future warfighter. We are looking forward to getting air under its tires and expanding the envelope in flight test in the coming months.”
The Raider helicopter program is 100 per cent industry funded. Sikorsky provides 75 percent of the investment, and 53 principal suppliers provide the remaining funding.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Connecticut, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, provides high technology products and services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
The Raider program follows Sikorsky’s successful X2 Technology demonstrator helicopter, which in September 2010 achieved more than 250 knots (287 mph) flight speed, or twice the average cruise speed of a conventional helicopter. The National Aeronautic Association awarded Sikorsky the 2010 Robert J. Collier Trophy for the achievement, and for its potential as a future rotorcraft technology.
The S-97’s first military customer is aimed to be the US Special Operations Command to replace the MH-6M Little Bird. Unspecified foreign militaries have shown interest in the S-97 design. With the US Army’s AAS program on hold (but not cancelled outright), it may be difficult to get approval for export for a next-generation helicopter if the American military does not yet have it. The Raider is a prototype, so the first customer would need to fund and support a production development program.
Budget projections for FY 2015 include a measure to retire the US Army’s OH-58 Kiowa fleet and remove AH-64 Apache attack helicopters from US Army Reserve and US Army National Guard control and transfer them to the active Army to take the place of the aerial scout role.
Sikorsky has suggested the possibility of buying the S-97 Raider as a replacement for the loss of Apaches to fulfill armed helicopter needs. Sikorsky will invest about 75 per cent of the Raider program’s expected cost, with suppliers investing about 25 per cent.
Sikorsky has suggested the possibility of buying the S-97 Raider as a replacement for the loss of Apaches to fulfill armed helicopter needs. Sikorsky will invest about 75 per cent of the Raider program’s expected cost, with suppliers investing about 25 per cent.
Development
First proposed in response to a request for information for the Armed Aerial Scout program in March 2010, the S-97 was formally launched on in October 2010. It is intended as a possible contender for the US Army’s requirement for an Armed Aerial Scout to replace the Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior.
Other military roles are possible, with the U.S. Special Operations Command having expressed interest in the concept as a replacement for the MH-6 Little Bird, and the possibility of adapting it for civilian applications also exists.
Other military roles are possible, with the U.S. Special Operations Command having expressed interest in the concept as a replacement for the MH-6 Little Bird, and the possibility of adapting it for civilian applications also exists.
The first Raider is scheduled to fly at the end of 2014. One will be used for tests, and another for demonstrations. Sikorsky wants to offer the S-97 for the AAS program, but also wants the helicopter to fly before the Army makes its down select.
Sikorsky invested $150 million and its 54 suppliers (who provide 90% of the parts) are spending the remainder of a total of $200 million on two prototypes, but production models must meet the $15 million unit cost budgeted for the program. The company plans to fly the aircraft by December 1, 2014.
Sikorsky invested $150 million and its 54 suppliers (who provide 90% of the parts) are spending the remainder of a total of $200 million on two prototypes, but production models must meet the $15 million unit cost budgeted for the program. The company plans to fly the aircraft by December 1, 2014.
The S-97 Raider development is also being sponsored by a number of companies including GE, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, Honeywell, Garmin, Parker Aerospace, Hamilton Sundstrand, among others.
Design features
The S-97 Raider armed scout helicopter is 37ft long and 16ft wide. It is fitted with a 34ft diameter rotor and a 7ft diameter propeller in the rear.
The fuselage of the helicopter will be built of composite materials. The cabin will have seating for a troop of six. The cockpit can accommodate two pilots in a side-by-side seating arrangement.
The helicopter will be fitted with twin rigid co-axial counter-rotating main rotors. An auxiliary internal fuel tank will be provided aft of the cockpit for extended mission support and operational flexibility. The helicopter features a retractable landing gear and fly-by-wire flight controls.
Armaments / weapons
The S-97 Raider will carry armament payloads including Hellfire missiles, 2.75in rockets, a .50 cal gun and a 7.62mm gun. It can also carry additional ammunition for extended missions. The armament space is located aft of the cockpit - towards the tail of the aircraft.
The helicopter can be armed with external weapons and will be equipped with a variety of sensors to support reconnaissance and light attack missions.
Engine/propulsion
The S-97 Raider will be powered by a single engine. The pusher type clutched propeller will enable the helicopter to fly at speeds up to 220kt. The dash speed will be more than 240kt, which is nearly double that of a conventional helicopter. An auxiliary power unit will also be provided to start the engine.
Ref/Photo: www.sikorsky.com
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