Sikorsky is developing a hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (HEX/VTOL) tilt-wing demonstrator, one of a new family of hybrid rotorcraft that will also offer pilot-optional autonomous flight.
There are so many companies building unconventional rotorcraft, many of which are electric or hybrid electric, that one more added to the growing list wouldn't warrant much attention. However, when the newest one is a major player in the aerospace world like Sikorsky, it's time to sit up and take notice.
The February 27 announcement isn't heavy on details, but does present a lot of insight into what's to come in the field of rotorcraft – especially from the mainstream competitors.
The new HEX program by the Lockheed Martin subsidiary features three hybrid, autonomous rotorcraft. One is a conventional helicopter, while the second is a quadcopter with tiltable propulsion nacelles. But the party piece is a tilt-wing design that allows for vertical takeoffs and landings, as well as the ability to transition to winged horizontal flight for greater speed and range.
The goal is to combine high speed with a range in excess of 500 nm (575 miles, 926 km). The completed demonstrator will have a maximum gross weight of 9,000 lb (4,000 kg) and feature a 1.2 MW-class turbogenerator. In the meantime, Sikorsky Innovations and GE Aerospace are completing a hybrid-electric power systems testbed with a 600 KW electric motor for hover performance tests.
The new HEX family will include different degrees of electrification. This allows for a mechanically simpler design, which is essential for a tilt-wing or tilt-rotor craft that often has problems with complex power and control mechanical linkage systems. In addition, the new vehicles will enjoy a high degree of autonomy, making them pilot optional.
"Within Sikorsky’s electric pillar, we are designing electric motors, power electronics and our own vehicle management hardware and actuation," said Igor Cherepinsky, Sikorsky Innovations director. "HEX will integrate these components, showcase the growing maturity of our MATRIX autonomy suite, and the potential for maintenance-free systems. Seeing the results will lead us to more efficient overall designs."
Source: Lockheed Martin
I was going to say bad things too then i sat back and gave the last paragraph another read.
If they make it electric like they say they are, they essentially eliminate most all the problems related to the outdated V22
So i give them a props up for this one and believe this beast will be reliable !
Lets see them in the air SOON !
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Many experts have established earlier, the well-known "Osprey problem” essentially is a rotor blade problem. Most of the times, when other parts of present day tiltrotors failed in accidents, and were named as culprits, in fact were either coincidences or – prevalently – failed as a consequence of the preceding rotor failure. (Extensive blade stall, VRS, loss of lift, blade detachment etc. are types of rotor failure.)
Wonder if Sikorsky, in its new project, will also address the rotor blade issue that has been plaguing the high end tiltrotor industry for decades. In particular, the need during design, to bargain top speed for vertical liftoff and hover performance, or vice versa.
the complex heavy gearbox system was also problematic.
Since you brought the blades up, they simpl.y need to.redesign.the blades
..They need to think RAH-66...
O.i.miss that chopper....