Sikorsky Takes Flight: The Transformative Rotor Blown Wing UAS Soars in Dual Modes!
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin enterprise (NYSE: LMT), has successfully confirmed the sophisticated control algorithms needed to operate a ‘rotor blown wing’ uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) in both rotorcraft and fixed-wing configurations. Driven by battery power, the 115 pounds (52kg) twin prop-rotor prototype has shown operational stability and agility across all flight environments, alongside the opportunity to expand this distinctive vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) framework to larger models necessitating hybrid-electric propulsion.
“Integrating helicopter and airplane flight attributes into a flying wing encapsulates Sikorsky’s commitment to pioneering next-generation VTOL UAV technology that can operate at higher speeds and longer distances compared to conventional helicopters,” stated Sikorsky Vice President and General Manager Rich Benton. “Our rotor blown wing platform serves as a leading example of how we utilize our extensive 102-year aviation legacy to craft innovative designs that cater to the evolving needs of commercial and military operators.”
Innovative Milestone
Sikorsky Innovations, the firm’s agile prototyping division, spearheads the initiative to refine and advance the rotor blown wing design. Within a year, Sikorsky Innovations has navigated through initial design, simulation, tethered and untethered flights to collect aerodynamic data, flight control parameters, and quality metrics.
Milestones were reached in January 2025 with the 10.3-ft composite wingspan aircraft when Sikorsky Innovations accomplished over 40 successful take-offs and landings. Remarkably, the aircraft executed 30 transitions between helicopter and airplane configurations, presenting the most intricate maneuver required by the design. In horizontal flight configuration, the aircraft achieved a peak cruise velocity of 86 knots. Concurrent wind tunnel assessments were performed on a 1:1 scale model, yielding critical validation of the newly established control laws by aligning them with practical experimental findings.
“Our rotor blown wing has proven the control authority and distinct handling characteristics essential for transitioning repeatedly and predictably from hovering to high-speed wing-borne cruise, and vice versa,” noted Sikorsky Innovations Director Igor Cherepinsky. “New control algorithms were essential for this transition maneuver to operate seamlessly and effectively. The data suggests we can function from pitching ship decks and unprepared terrain when scaled to much larger formats.”
Future applications of UAS rotor blown wing aircraft encompass search and rescue operations, firefighting surveillance, humanitarian responses, and pipeline inspections. Larger variants will facilitate long-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, along with piloted drone teaming (manned/unmanned collaboration) missions.
All rotor blown wing models will incorporate Sikorsky’s MATRIX™ flight autonomy system to navigate the aircraft during its flight operations.
System Family
The rotor blown wing concept is part of a broader family of systems in development by Sikorsky. This family will encompass winged VTOL UAVs and single main rotor vehicles.
Additionally, Sikorsky is working on a 1.2 megawatt hybrid-electric demonstrator (HEX) designed with a tiltable wing and fuselage to transport passengers or freight over extensive distances. A HEX power system test platform is projected to showcase hover capabilities by 2027.
