Posted on 02/09/2014 12:44:07 PM PST by rawhide
Its safe to say that the helicopter changed the way that we move passengers, cargo, soldiers and more. The ability for the helicopter to take off and land vertically has always hampered its ability to reach a faster top speed. But thats all about to change with a new generation of helicopter that can travel as fast as a plane, but still perform all the tasks characteristic of a copter.
The origins of the Sikorsky X2 dates back to the S-69 Advanced Blade Concept in 1973. In 2008, this experimental copter made its first flight. Unlike traditional helicopters that use a stabilizing rotor at the aft of the fuselage, the X2 uses two counter-rotating blades to maintain stable flight. The prop at the aft of the X2 is mostly for propulsion, allowing is to hit speeds of 250 knots (290 mph). Check it out in action here:
(Excerpt) Read more at autos.yahoo.com ...
I’ve always wanted to own and fly my own helicopter. They tend to be VERY expensive though.
Counter rotating dual rotor helicopters date back to the 1930’s and 40’s. It looks like this design is intended to compete against the V-22 Osprey for speed. I wonder what the range is. Could these be a good option for servicing offshore oil platforms?
There sure are a lot of white males in the stands.
Looks like the test was done at their North Palm facility along Beeline Highway. NOTAM area but fun to watch what is flying around this area.
Looks like a variation of a Kamov product, plus the tail rotor for forward propulsion.
even makes a kickass sound!
Kinda like a NASCAR, F1, bandsaw mill combination.
I know, I know, don't give Obama any ideas to toss a few billions away...
With that type of speed I wonder what the range is on this beast ?
I'm sure it takes a much larger engine to push the torque needed to turn two rotors...
It’s a technology demonstrator at this point and not necessarily viable as an operational concept. Scaling up to an operational design would be as huge a challenge as was the steps from the XV-15 to the V-22. Success is possible but not guaranteed. For example, what about external sling loads that are as a practical metter restricted to 150 kts. And there is the question of how many troops could a full-scale aircraft carry?
TC
Random remark, but I sure do wish we could stop measuring air speed in “knots”. Every time I hear that, I feel like I’m reaching for a Whitworth wrench to work on an MG, or standing on the deck of a sailing ship next to Admiral Nelson. Talk about archaic.
www.zee.aero
The only problem is private silicon valley types are financing this project. I’m sure Obama will get a few billion to them one of these days.
Don’t expect to see these on the road anytime soon. The concept of a flying car will never be a financially viable project. Especially the ZEE which is electric.
Yeah, it’s certainly not what you normally expect to hear from a helicopter passing overhead.
Top speed: 299 mph (481 km/h)
Range: 808 miles (1,300 km)
Then there's that line from the old song Give Me Operations, "Don't give me a P-38, the props they counter-rotate..."
Keep knots youu landlubber, we don’t need your kind of jerk flying aircraft!
Thank you for mentioning the Osprey. When I saw the three-rotor copter video I wondered about the future of the Osprey.
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