Sikorsky is pressing ahead with testing of the S-97 Raider semi-compound prototype and, as part of the Matrix autonomy demonstration program, two optionally piloted aircraft: a modified S-76 and a modified UH-60A.
Since its first flight in May last year, the S-97 has performed “a number of flights,” including one on February 4. The airframer has been reviewing flight-test data. These help engineers analyze hover and low-speed handling qualities, flight control responsiveness and propeller operational characteristics. Fly-by-wire flight control software has been evaluated, too.
The aircraft continues to perform “consistently with flight characteristics demonstrated in our Systems Integration Lab and flight simulator,” a spokesperson told AIN.
Sikorsky is planning up to 60 hours of flight tests on the aircraft for 2016. It will thus expand the speed and maneuverability envelope. Endurance trials of the transmission system continue on a test bed.
The S-97 combines two rigid coaxial, counter-rotating rotors and a pusher propeller to achieve speeds unattainable with a conventional rotorcraft. The company sees commercial applications, such as search-and-rescue, EMS and VIP transport. However, military applications will likely come first.
Last year, the Sikorsky Autonomy Research Aircraft (SARA) set several milestones, the spokesperson said, including being controlled remotely from a hand-held tablet. It autonomously flew an approach to a moving towed barge. Since 2013, SARA has flown more than 100 hours as part of the Matrix program.
In 2015, Darpa selected Sikorsky for the “aircrew labor in-cockpit automation system” (ALIAS) program. It seeks to design advanced flight control systems that will reduce pilot workload by providing varying levels of autonomy to the aircraft. As part of the ALIAS program, Matrix technology needs to be installed on a current military helicopter, and Sikorsky purchased a UH-60A that will be rebuilt as an optionally piloted demonstration platform.