WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Sikorsky S-97 Raider helicopter has made its first flight. The S-97 is a rigid coaxial rotor prototype designed to demonstrate a new combination of maneuverability, hover ability, range, high speed, endurance and survivability. The first flight was conducted at Sikorsky's Development Flight Center (DFC) where the two-prototype S-97 helicopter test program is based.

"Sikorsky has a long tradition of pioneering new aviation technologies including the first practical helicopter. Today's first flight of the S-97 Raider represents the latest leap forward for Sikorsky, our customers, and the rotorcraft industry," said Sikorsky President Bob Leduc.

The S-97 is designed to carry six troops and external weapons. The coaxial counter-rotating main rotors and pusher propeller are expected to provide cruise speeds up to 240 knots (276 mph).

The S-97 is powered by one General Electric YT706-GE-700R turboshaft engine rated 2,600 shp (1,900 kW). The YT706 is part of GE's T700/CT7 engine family and is currently used in the MH-60M for the US Army Special Forces.

During the first test flight, which lasted approximately one hour, the aircraft made a series of maneuvers designed to test the aircraft's hover and low-speed capability. With first flight achieved, the S-97 now moves into more progressive flight testing to demonstrate key performance parameters critical to future combat operations including armed reconnaissance, light assault, light attack and special operations.

The S-97 program is part of the portfolio of Sikorsky Innovations, the technology development organization within Sikorsky Aircraft's Research & Engineering division. Sikorsky launched the S-97 program in September 2010, with objectives of maturing the Collier-Award winning X2 rotorcraft configuration and demonstrating a helicopter that meets current U.S. Army special operations and armed reconnaissance needs, while maturing technologies for Future Vertical Lift (FVL). The program is 100 percent industry-funded by Sikorsky Aircraft and its 53 industry partners.

The second Raider prototype is on track to complete final assembly in 2015. Sikorsky has planned a demonstration tour for 2016.

Source: Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.