Fastest Helicopter in the World?
The Sikorsky X2 Test Flight
It looks as though Sikorsky is on the path to creating one of the fastest helicopters in the world. Their new X2 helicopter just recently had its first test flight using the high speed pusher prop. The latest flight test didn’t break any speed records at 40 knots, but Sikorsky is planning for 250 knots by the time all tests are done. The current record holder for fastest helicopter belongs to the Westland Lynx which set a world record speed of 216 knots.
The Lynx HAS3 similar to the ZB500
The X2 helicopter looks pretty cool. in a traditional single rotor helicopter, the retreating blades at high forward velocity start to lose their effectiveness. The idea behind using the the coaxial rotors is that you will have both rotors counter-rotating which will provide you with an advancing blade on each side of the helicopter. This fixes the problem of the aircraft’s stability. The pusher prop at the back gives the X2 the extra thrust to be able to get the helicopter past the speed record.
A few more of the specifics of the Sikorsky X2 can be found at its wikipedia page.
Terrain Following UAV Helicopter by Laser
Not too long ago we received a new laser altimeter for our helicopters. The laser’s update rate gives back readings at a much faster rate than the previous sensor. The faster update rate opens up new possibilities and improves the performance of holding a consistent altitude in a hover and softer landings. One of the new possibilities is terrain following.
North Little Rock Police Department UAV Crash
The North Little Rock Police Department in Arkansas crashes a UAV helicopter and the news reporting website questions the costs involved with UAVs, calling them big toys.
The First Nano Air Vehicle (NAV) Ornithopter to Hover
AeroVironment (AV) has created the first NAV ornithopter to successfully perform controlled hovering. DARPA has awarded AV the Phase II Contract Extension to further develop this vehicle.
UAV Helicopters Meet Computer Scientist
Helicopter UAVs and UAS being controlled by Adaptive Neural Network controllers at Guided Systems Technologies.
