Sikorsky Reveals Next-Generation VTOL Program

Stratford-based Sikorsky this week unveiled an initiative to build, test, and fly a hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing demonstrator with a tilt-wing configuration.

The Lockheed Martin subsidiary revealed the HEX program Feb. 28 at the HAI Heli-Expo conference in Anaheim, California.

“We never stop innovating at Sikorsky,” said company president Paul Lemmo.

“Autonomy and electrification will bring transformational change to flight safety and operational efficiency of large VTOL aircraft.

“Our HEX demonstrator program will provide valuable insights as we look to a future family of aircraft built to the scale and preferred configurations relevant to commercial and military customers.”

‘Electric Pillar’

Lemmo said the HEX design was the first in a series of large, next-generation VTOL aircraft, ranging from more traditional helicopters to winged configurations.

Those aircraft will feature varying degrees of electrification with an advanced autonomy system for optionally piloted flight.

HEX program engineers are designing a high-speed aircraft with a 500 mile-plus range, fewer mechanical systems to reduce complexity, and lower maintenance costs.

.@Sikorsky will build, test, and fly a hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing demonstrator, the first in a series of large, next generation #VTOL aircraft. “Autonomy and electrification will bring transformational change,” says @lemmopaul1.#MadeinCT https://t.co/RKh9XELk3k

— CBIA (@CBIANews) February 28, 2024

Sikorsky Innovations, the company’s prototyping group, and GE Aerospace are finalizing designs to build a hybrid-electric power systems testbed with a 600KW electric motor.

The testbed is a first step to evaluate hover performance of the follow-on HEX demonstrator—a 9,000 lb maximum gross weight aircraft with 1.2MW-class turbogenerator and associated power electronics.

“Within Sikorsky’s electric pillar, we are designing electric motors, power electronics and our own vehicle management hardware and actuation,” said Sikorsky Innovations director Igor Cherepinsky.