Sikorsky Launches Groundbreaking ‘Rotor Blown Wing’ Drone During DARPA Flight Demonstrations
Sikorsky, a division of Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), is conducting flight assessments to enhance the control mechanisms and aerodynamics of a groundbreaking vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial vehicle (VTOL / UAS). These flight assessments aim to showcase the efficiency and scalability of a dual proprotor ‘rotor blown wing’ configuration that functions on its tail for takeoff and landing similar to a helicopter, while smoothly transitioning to horizontal flight for prolonged missions, such as intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting.
The ongoing flight assessments strengthen the Ancillary initiative led by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which seeks to create a Class 3 UAS VTOL X-Plane capable of operating in diverse weather conditions from ship decks and rough terrains without requiring any infrastructure. Sikorsky is among a selective group of competitors chosen to advance their UAS conceptual designs into the forthcoming development stage.
The term ‘rotor blown wing’ refers to the continuous airflow provided by the proprotor wash over the wing. Sikorsky opted for this design to decrease drag during hover mode and when transitioning to forward flight, while improving cruising efficiencies and endurance.
This design exemplifies one of the myriad approaches Sikorsky is advancing in 21st Century Security® innovations, commented Igor Cherepinsky, director of the rapid prototyping division at Sikorsky Innovations.
“Flight assessments are underway to validate that our tail-sitting rotor blown wing UAS can achieve vertical launch and landing with notable stability, and cruise effectively on its wings,” stated Cherepinsky. “Essential elements for flight agility and future vehicle scalability include our MATRIX autonomy flight control system and a reconfigurable rotor system, similar to those utilized in traditional helicopters.”
For the ongoing flight evaluations, Sikorsky is utilizing a proof-of-concept vehicle powered by a battery. If selected to create an aerial vehicle for a future ANCILLARY phase, Sikorsky aims to develop a 300-pound hybrid-electric model, including a 60-pound ISR payload.
Sikorsky Innovations was founded in 2010 to address technological challenges related to rotary wing speed, autonomy, and intelligence. Explore more about the engineering team’s achievements in speed and intelligence, and its current emphasis on electrification and VTOL UAS to bolster 21st Century Security® initiatives.
