HORSEHEADS, NY -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. achieved a major milestone in its X2 Technology demonstrator program by successfully ground testing the aircraft with the pusher propeller installed and spinning for the first time. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.
The test conducted Jan. 23 used the fly-by-wire pitch control system with the rotating, high-speed pusher propeller for the first time. The program testing has been continuing at Sikorsky's Schweizer Aircraft Corp. rapid-prototyping facility in Horseheads, NY, since the demonstrator's first flight on Aug. 27, 2008.
"The high-speed pusher prop produced the expected amount of thrust and the testing went according to plan," says Steven Cizewski, X2 Program Manager. "In addition, the pusher prop's drive system and oil distribution system checked out well. In all, we are pleased with this milestone and look forward to finishing the tests in Elmira, NY, as we prepare to move the demonstrator into its next phase of testing in West Palm Beach."
"This ground test milestone effectively completes Phase I of the four-phase X2 TECHNOLOGY development test program," says Mark Miller, Sikorsky Vice President of Research & Engineering. "We are looking forward to completing the remainder of the envelope expansion phases, and achieving 250 knots at the completion of Phase IV by the end of the year."
