Development Testing of the Sikorsky X2 Technology Demonstrator

Sikorsky Aircraft is currently testing the X2 Technology™ Demonstrator, an experimental aircraft which utilizes a rigid co-axial rotor system with new blade designs and hub fairings, an integrated propulsion system, active vibration control and Fly-By-Wire (FBW) flight controls. The goals of this company-funded program are to demonstrate efficient performance, good handling qualities and low vibration at a cruise airspeed of 250 kt. This paper briefly reviews the history of testing performed on the XH-59A vehicle in the 1970's, which utilized a similar rotor system, the design of the X2 Technology™ Demonstrator and then details the test program that is underway including component, system-level and flight tests. Results from aircraft ground and initial flight testing are reviewed and compared with results of simulation. Finally the plans for the remainder of the flight test program are discussed.