Sikorsky tested a new VTOL/UAS design featuring a ‘rotor blown wing’, contributing to DARPA’s Ancillary initiative and advancing VTOL X-Plane capabilities.
Sikorsky, a company of Lockheed Martin, is currently performing flight tests to advance the control laws and aerodynamics of a new vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial system (VTOL/UAS). These tests aim to validate the effectiveness and scalability of a twin proprotor ‘rotor blown wing’ design, capable of vertical takeoff and landing similar to a helicopter, while seamlessly transitioning to horizontal forward flight for extended missions like intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting. The current flight tests contribute to DARPA’s Ancillary initiative, aimed at creating a Class 3 UAS VTOL X-Plane capable of operating in diverse weather conditions from ship decks and unprepared surfaces without infrastructure. Sikorsky is among the selected competitors advancing their UAS conceptual designs to the next development phase.
The term “rotor blown wing” denotes the continuous airflow generated by the proprotor wash across the wing. Sikorsky opted for this design to minimize drag on the wing during hover mode and transition to forward flight, thereby enhancing cruise efficiencies and endurance.
Igor Cherepinsky, Director of the Rapid Prototyping Group at Sikorsky Innovations, stated that the design represents one of the various approaches Sikorsky employs to advance 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. 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.” said Cherepinsky
In the ongoing flight tests, Sikorsky is currently utilizing a proof-of-concept vehicle powered by a battery. Should Sikorsky be chosen to manufacture an air vehicle for a subsequent ANCILLARY phase, the company intends to develop a 300-pound hybrid-electric variant, incorporating a 60-pound ISR payload.
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Sikorsky Innovations was established in 2010 with the objective of addressing technological hurdles related to rotary wing speed, autonomy, and intelligence. To delve deeper into the accomplishments of the engineering team in terms of speed and intelligence, as well as their current emphasis on electrification and VTOL UAS to bolster 21st Century Security missions, further exploration is encouraged.
