S-97 Raider - Sikorsky bygger to for egen regning

AIN Defense Perspective » January 20, 2012

by Bill Carey

Sikorsky Aircraft and 35 suppliers will self-fund the development of two S-97 Raider prototypes for evaluation by the U.S. military. (Photo: Sikorsky Aircraft)

January 20, 2012, 10:40 AM

Sikorsky Aircraft named 35 suppliers participating in an industry-funded effort to build two prototype S-97 Raider helicopters for evaluation by the U.S. military. The Raider is a follow-on to the company’s X2 technology demonstrator with coaxial contra-rotating main rotors and a pusher propeller. Sikorsky said it will invest about 75 percent of the Raider program’s expected cost, with suppliers investing 25 percent. Last June, Sikorsky and General Electric signed a teaming agreement under which GE Aviation will provide its CT7-8 engine for the Raider.