Sikorsky S-97 Raider

It will certainly help toward aircraft maneuverablity, but I have to wonder about the aural signature of putting a C-130J sized propeller into beta at speed.

One has to think they did it on the Cheyenne.
 
There is likely data out there somewhere on AH-56 signatures. My curiosity is as to how much aural signature is generated when you shift the prop into beta (reverse thrust). It came to be listening to a C-130J doing a short field landing demonstration. There was a very noticeable signature from the props when they did so. Sikorsky is pitching that it is a quiet helicopter so I am wondering, how far out do you have to turn off the prop to make it quiet(er)?
 
Spot the difference
 

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There's some changes to the shape of the fairings in front of, and between, the rotors . . .

cheers,
Robin.
 
There's some changes to the shape of the fairings in front of, and between, the rotors . . .

cheers,
Robin.
And the canopy reshaped.
One is green, one is black. Just wanted to get that out of the way.
 
Has Sikorsky ever discussed why they went with side-by-side seating for the S-97 Raider/FARA instead of tandem seats? Something similar to the FVL attack helicopter they've shown some CGI of seems like it might have made a better scout helicopter. On the plus side if their FARA offering can carry some guys in back it would be ideal for SF types or ferrying around other small specialist teams.
 
This week at Quad-A, Sikorsky pushing Raider X for FARA re the Indo-Pacific region


cheers
 
This week at Quad-A, Sikorsky pushing Raider X for FARA re the Indo-Pacific region


cheers
"RAIDER X is custom-built for Indo-Pacific missions." I hope not! Lots of other places it might be needed.

" FARA will act as a networked sensor, a “quarterback” for managing the effects and communications " Same sales pitch as Comanche.

Oh well.
 
Okay, related sidebar question. What would happen if you had a rear prop like the X2, except you offset it to point diagonally forward and only have a single main rotor? Maybe you even make the rear prop adjustable in direction too.
 
Kinda be like this:
1682460877218.jpeg
Except the propeller would be going the other way.
 

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Karem proposed exactly that for FARA. The AR-40...
That actually looks more efficient.

PS: Just when you think you've come up with a great and novel idea but someone(s) else got there first. :D
It's a pity that this concept wasn't developed further. I would love to see a modern day technology demonstrator.
Some more info on Sikorsky's Rotoprop here:
https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/th...ture-vertical-lift-programs.13812/post-572610
 
It will be interesting to see what comes out of the AUSA show. Both Sikorsky and Bell have surely mobilized a battalions worth of retired Colonels to wax elegant on the virtues of their products and underhandedly disperage the competition.
 
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9375JqLNPJo


Well, at least they demonstrated that the rotors would turn.
Lots of smoke on that startup, but that seems to be normal for the very first time you start any engine. Gotta burn off all the preservative oils.


Correct, I think ! And here's a little cheating in Sikorskys public relations campaign, showing
the Raider as a Jack-of-all-trades. Just think of it as a Coast Guard aircraft, whinching up
sailors from a stricken ship. A conventional heli perhaps could take 8 to 10, the Raider perhaps
4 to 5 ? Would the additional speed be enough to justify "bye-bye, we'll come back" to the rest ?
It's an aircraft for a niche market, the high end of the field, in which helicopters are needed,
whereas the low end is the autogyro, I think.
I'm thinking it'd be fine for a replacement for Dolphins. Crew of 4 in those (2 pilots, crew chief, and rescue swimmer), so space for 2 litter patients or 3-4 sitting.

But the better use case to me is civilian air ambulance work. Only hauling 1 patient on stretcher in that case, and I believe that they usually fly with 2x pilots and 1x flight nurse for a bit more space in the back. I'd want to stick that pusher prop into a duct, though. Make it harder for idiots to walk into it.
 
Lots of smoke on that startup, but that seems to be normal for the very first time you start any engine. Gotta burn off all the preservative oils.



I'm thinking it'd be fine for a replacement for Dolphins. Crew of 4 in those (2 pilots, crew chief, and rescue swimmer), so space for 2 litter patients or 3-4 sitting.

But the better use case to me is civilian air ambulance work. Only hauling 1 patient on stretcher in that case, and I believe that they usually fly with 2x pilots and 1x flight nurse for a bit more space in the back. I'd want to stick that pusher prop into a duct, though. Make it harder for idiots to walk into it.
Main problem will be cost, this things going to be a lot more pricey than a dolphin.
 
@Colonial-Marine - doubtful that Bell will move forward on 360. Most of the engineering team has likely moved onto FLRAA or the Tilt-fold technology program. Not even sure that Bell got to keep the engine as it was government furnished. Sikorsky got to keep the engine as they are supposed to put it and another one on a Blackhawk next year. There are only two T901 engines as far as I am aware. This is why I wonder if Bell still has one or not.
 

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