Sikorsky S-97 Raider
The Sikorsky S-97 Raider is a proposed high-speed scout and attack compound helicopter based on the Advancing Blade Concept (ABC), under development by Sikorsky Aircraft. Sikorsky planned to offer it for the United States Army's Armed Aerial Scout program, along with other possible uses.The S-97 made its maiden flight on 22 May 2015.
Sikorsky's earliest attempt at a fast helicopter with stiff coaxial rotors was the four-engine XH-59A flown in the 1970s. Its top speed was over 260 knots but its excessive fuel consumption, vibration and complexity requiring the full-time attention of two pilots led to its cancellation. These problems were largely solved on another attempt; the Sikorsky X2 technology demonstrator. First proposed in response to a Request for Information for the Armed Aerial Scout (AAS) program in March 2010, the S-97 was formally launched on 20 October 2010. It was intended as a contender for a United States Army's requirement to replace the Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. Other military roles are possible, the U.S. Special Operations Command having expressed interest in the S-97 as a replacement for the MH-6 Little Bird, and the possibility of adapting it for civilian applications also exists.
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