ABOVE: Sikorsky’s VTOL prototype successfully demonstrated stability and manoeuvrability in both helicopter and aeroplane modes
Sikorsky has successfully validated the advanced control laws to successfully fly a ‘rotor blown wing’ uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in both helicopter and aeroplane modes. Powered by batteries, the 52kg twin prop-rotor prototype has demonstrated stability and manoeuvrability across all flight regimes, and the potential to scale the unique vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) design to larger sizes requiring hybrid-electric propulsion.
The rotor blown wing design is one of a future family of systems in development by Sikorsky, which includes a 1.2-megawatt hybrid-electric demonstrator (HEX) configured with a tilt wing and designed to carry passengers or cargo across long distances. A HEX power system testbed is expected to demonstrate hover capability in 2027.
PHOTO: SIKORSKY
