S-97 RAIDER test pilot Bill Fell has had considerable input into the pilots' needs for the RAIDER X and has been integral in the flying qualities and performance offered by the X2 technology

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky X-2 / S-97 Raider - СШАUSA - 2008

The propulsor offers incredible aerodynamic advantages, allowing for deceleration in a dive with a reverse pitch to allow better weapons orientation

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky X-2 / S-97 Raider - СШАUSA - 2008

Performance of the S-97 RAIDER has been continually enhanced throughout 2023 with modifications to the propulsor and rotor design to increase manoeuvrability and acceleration, all of which have been translated into the RAIDER X bid

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky X-2 / S-97 Raider - СШАUSA - 2008

Integration of the General Electric T901 engine into RAIDER X was a relatively straightforward process, according to Pete Germanowski, Sikorsky's chief engineer for the FARA programme. The powerplant will also be used on the Apache and Black Hawk fleets

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky X-2 / S-97 Raider - СШАUSA - 2008

The S-97 RAIDER has flown around 145 hours and conducted 160 hours of ground runs supporting the RAIDER X programme

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky X-2 / S-97 Raider - СШАUSA - 2008

The large weapons bay of the RAIDER X is based on a modular launcher system which can be removed of required, allowing the platform to switch to a special operations role and the ability to carry an assault team

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky X-2 / S-97 Raider - СШАUSA - 2008

Speed and range will be the cornerstones of the FARA competition, and both bring the ability for the US Army to scout, strike and evade far quicker than anything the service has previously operated

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky X-2 / S-97 Raider - СШАUSA - 2008