Sikorsky Unveils Innovative ‘Rotor Blown Wing’ UAS in DARPA Flight Trials
Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), is executing flight evaluations to refine the control laws and aerodynamics of an innovative vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial system (VTOL / UAS). These flight evaluations aim to demonstrate the effectiveness and scalability of a dual proprotor ‘rotor blown wing’ design that operates on its tail for takeoff and landing akin to a helicopter while seamlessly transitioning to horizontal flight for extended-duration missions, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting.
The current flight evaluations bolster the Ancillary initiative by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which aims to develop a Class 3 UAS VTOL X-Plane capable of functioning in various weather scenarios from ship decks and unprepared terrains without necessitating infrastructure. Sikorsky is among a select group of contenders chosen to propel their UAS conceptual frameworks into the upcoming development phase.
The expression ‘rotor blown wing’ signifies the persistent airflow from the proprotor wash across the wing. Sikorsky selected this configuration to minimize drag during hover mode and when shifting to forward flight, while enhancing cruise efficiencies and endurance.
This design is just one example of the numerous methods Sikorsky is propelling 21st Century Security® advancements and innovations, stated Igor Cherepinsky, director of the rapid prototyping group at Sikorsky Innovations.
“Flight evaluations are in progress to confirm our tail-sitting rotor blown wing UAS can achieve vertical launch and landing with significant stability, and cruise effectively on wing,” remarked Cherepinsky. “Crucial factors for flight maneuverability and future vehicle scalability include our MATRIX autonomy flight control system and an articulated rotor system akin to those found in conventional helicopters.”
For the current flight evaluations, Sikorsky is operating a proof-of-concept vehicle powered by a battery. If chosen to manufacture an aerial vehicle for a future ANCILLARY phase, Sikorsky intends to create a 300-pound hybrid-electric version, including a 60-pound ISR payload.
Sikorsky Innovations was established in 2010 to tackle technological obstacles related to rotary wing speed, autonomy, and intelligence. Discover more about the engineering team’s accomplishments in speed and intelligence, and its present focus on electrification and VTOL UAS to support 21st Century Security® initiatives.
