Nichols Martin
A second prototype of Sikorsky‘s S-97 Raider light tactical helicopter has reached a milestone necessary to enter into the full-flight testing phase, Defense News reported Wednesday.
The report said pilots of the Lockheed Martin subsidiary operated the helicopter for 90 minutes Tuesday and have completed a flight-test card.
Dan Spoor, vice president of future vertical lift at Sikorsky, told Defense News that the manufacturer aims to demonstrate Raider’s speed and maneuverability to the U.S. military.
The first prototype experienced a hard landing during a flight test in early August of last year and Sikorsky expects to fly the second platform this summer, the report noted.
S-97, which is based on the X2 Technology demonstrator, is designed to carry up to six military personnel and operate at a speed of more than 220 knots.
