Sikorsky S-97 Raider Specs, Engine, Cockpit, and Price

Sikorsky S-97 Raider Specs, Engine, Cockpit, and Price – Sikorsky S-97 Raider is a lightweight tactical helicopter developed by Sikorsky, United States. This helicopter was developed with the ability of X2 Technology which is claimed to be able to offer safer high-speed flights with increased efficiency and safety. S-97 Raider can fly at speeds of more than 220 kt at an altitude of 10,000 ft.

S-97 Raider helicopters will be offered to the US Armed Forces for flight testing and evaluation for future combat missions. This helicopter is suitable for armed attack and reconnaissance missions. In addition to offering high-speed flights, X2 technology is also capable of supporting other missions such as melee support, combat search and rescue and special operations. The first S-97 prototype was launched in October 2014, with the first flight taking place at the end of 2014.

Sikorsky S-97 Raider Specs

The Sikorsky S-97 Raider helicopter airframe is constructed of composite materials that are designed with a lower turning radius and acoustic sound marking. It is equipped with a 34 ft diameter rotor and a 7 ft diameter propeller on the back. Overall the S-97 Raider is 37 ft long and 16 ft wide.

The S-97 Raider helicopter is equipped with a rigid twin coaxial main rotor. An additional internal fuel tank is also provided behind the cockpit for extended mission support and operational flexibility. This helicopter has a retractable landing gear and fly-by-wire flight control. Other features of the S-97 Raider include active vibration control, reduction of hub resistance, integrated thermal management system and separate torque transmission.

Sikorsky S-97 Raider Cockpit and Interior

The S-97 Raider cabin has seating for six people. Meanwhile, the cockpit can accommodate two pilots in adjoining seating arrangements. The cabin and cockpit will be equipped with plastic transparency glass supplied by PPG Aerospace. PPG will develop and produce layered windshields for pilots and co-pilots, cockpit side windows, as well as observation windows and lower fuselage.

Sikorsky S-97 Raider Weapons

The Sikorsky S-97 Raider weaponry includes Hellfire missiles, 2.75 in rockets, 0.50 mm caliber rifles, and 7.62 mm rifles. It can also carry additional ammunition for expanded missions. The armory is located behind the cockpit towards the tail of the aircraft. The S-97 Raider helicopter can also be armed with external weapons equipped with various sensors to support surveillance missions and light attacks.

Sikorsky S-97 Raider Engine

The Sikorsky S-97 Raider helicopter is powered by a General Electric T700 turboshaft engine. With the support of a propeller clutch propeller type, the helicopter can fly with a cruise speed of 220 kt (410 km / h). Its dashboard speed is more than 240 kt (440 km / h), which is almost double that of conventional helicopters. An additional power unit is also provided to start the engine. The range of helicopters is 310 nm (570 km).

Sikorsky S-97 Raider Price

The price of the latest Sikorsky S-97 Raider helicopter is around US $ 15 Million. Sikorsky will offer this X2 technology-based helicopter for the US Army's Armed Aerial Scout (AAS) program. The AAS program involves the procurement of armed reconnaissance aircraft for the US Army. S-97 Raider is expected to be a game-changer in the lightweight military helicopter segment.