Sikorsky — the American aircraft manufacturer based in Stratford, Connecticut — has unveiled a new helicopter prototype that can fly twice as fast as conventional designs.
The company hopes to sell its single-engine S-97 Raider to the US military for use as an armed aerial scout and as a light assault aircraft.
According to a Sikorsky spokesman, it could act as a replacement for the army’s OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters and could be used by special operations troops. It has a double rotor with the blades moving in opposite directions, so no tail rotor is required; a pusher propeller at the back allows it to reach record-breaking speeds.
The cockpit has room for two pilots side by side, while the cabin has room for up to six combat-equipped troops — or extra fuel and ammunition for extended missions.
Sikorsky and its suppliers funded the prototype themselves. Because of cuts in defence spending, it is unclear when the Pentagon will be in the market for new helicopters.