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Sikorsky flight tests rotor blown wing tail sitter VTOL UAS

ByAmit Malewar

Aircraft

24 May, 2024

1 min read

Sikorsky is flight testing a rotor blown wing tail sitter VTOL UAS. Credit: Lockheed Martin

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, is making strides in flight testing to enhance the control laws and aerodynamics of an innovative vertical takeoff and landing uncrewed aerial system (VTOL / UAS). 

These flight tests aim to demonstrate the efficiency and scalability of a twin proprotor ‘rotor blown wing’ configuration that can vertically take off and land like a helicopter, seamlessly transitioning to horizontal forward flight for extended missions, such as intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting.

The ongoing flight tests align with the Ancillary initiative by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which aims to create a Class 3 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) X-Plane capable of operating in various weather conditions from ship decks and unprepared surfaces without infrastructure. 

Sikorsky is among the select competitors moving forward with their UAS conceptual designs into the next development phase.

Graphical rendering of a Sikorsky rotor blown wing VTOL UAS ready for launch from a ship’s deck. Credit: Lockheed Martin

The concept of a ‘rotor blown wing’ involves utilizing the continuous airflow from the proprotor wash across the wing. This innovative design, chosen by Sikorsky, effectively minimizes drag on the wing during hover mode and transitions to forward flight while also enhancing cruise efficiencies and endurance.

According to Igor Cherepinsky, director of the rapid prototyping group Sikorsky Innovations, this design represents just one of the many ways Sikorsky is driving advancements in 21st Century Security technologies and innovations.

“Flight tests are underway to verify our tail-sitting rotor blown wing UAS can launch and land vertically with high stability and cruise efficiently on wing,” said Cherepinsky. “Key enablers to flight maneuverability and future vehicle scalability are our MATRIX autonomy flight control system and an articulated rotor system similar to those in traditional helicopters.”

For the flight tests now underway, Sikorsky is flying a proof-of-concept vehicle powered by a battery. If selected to produce an air vehicle for a future ANCILLARY phase, Sikorsky plans to build a 300-pound hybrid-electric version to include a 60-pound ISR payload.