Dynamics Design Characteristics of the Sikorsky X2 Technology™ Demonstrator Aircraft

Sikorsky Aircraft has recently built and is currently testing an experimental aircraft which utilizes an Advancing Blade Concept (ABC™) rotor system similar to that flown on the XH-59A vehicle but with advanced airfoils, active vibration control and several other key modifications. The new aircraft is called the X2 Technology™ Demonstrator. The goals of this company-funded program are to demonstrate solutions to the technical issues that were encountered during flight testing of the XH-59A. In this paper, the XH-59A history related to aircraft dynamics (principally aircraft vibration and rotor dynamics) and the dynamics design-support activities for the new aircraft are reviewed. Specifically, features of the demonstrator aircraft designed to provide freedom from aeromechanical stability issues and provide a VIP ride quality for airspeeds up to 250 kts are summarized.