Sikorsky Flies New Rotor Blown Wing Aircraft

Stratford-based Sikorsky has successfully flown its new “rotor blown wing” uncrewed aerial system in both helicopter and airplane modes.

The new design allows aircraft to take off and land like a helicopter, but fly like an airplane. 

Rotor blown wing refers to the constant airflow from the proprotor wash across the wing, which reduces drag in hover mode and when transitioning to forward flight.

Sikorsky officials said the platform has the potential to scale the vertical take-off and landing design to larger sizes with hybrid-electric propulsion.

“Combining helicopter and airplane flight characteristics onto a flying wing reflects Sikorsky’s drive to innovate next-generation VTOL UAS aircraft that can fly faster and farther than traditional helicopters,” said Sikorsky vice president and general manager Rich Benton.

Innovative Design

Sikorsky Innovations started with a preliminary design just over a year ago, and has progressed through simulation, tethered and untethered flight to gather aerodynamic, flight control and quality data.

The manufacturer achieved a breakthrough in January, when an aircraft successfully completed more than 40 take-offs and landings.

The aircraft also performed 30 transitions between helicopter and airplane modes—reaching a top cruise speed of 86 knots.

The company said it achieved the complex transition maneuver by developing new control laws and utilizing its MATRIX flight autonomy system.

“Our rotor blown wing has demonstrated the control power and unique handling qualities necessary to transition repeatedly and predictably from a hover to high-speed wing-borne cruise flight, and back again,” said Sikorsky Innovations director Igor Cherepinsky.

The company said the UAS RBW aircraft can be used for search and rescue, firefighting, humanitarian response, and infrastructure monitoring.

“Our rotor blown wing platform is a prime example of how we are leveraging the breadth of our 102-year aviation heritage to develop new designs that meet the emerging missions of commercial and military operators,” said Benton.