Sikorsky Innovations is testing electric propulsion systems, electrification, and advanced autonomy flight controls that will power and fly a wing-borne hybrid-electric VTOL demonstrator.
Known as HEX, the 9,000-pound unmanned demonstrator aircraft will feature a tilt-wing configuration.
GE Aerospace is contributing to the HEX program with a turboshaft engine combined with a 1.2MW-class turbogenerator and associated power electronics.
Over the next 2-5 years, a HEX power systems testbed and follow-on demonstrator will give Sikorsky insights into a future class of large, winged VTOL aircraft capable of regional and inter-city travel with ranges up to 500 nm at high speed.
“A hybrid-electric VTOL design can attain the range, speed and payload missions required by commercial and military operators, for both Advanced Air Mobility and contested logistics,” said Sikorsky Innovations Director Igor Cherepinsky.
Sikorsky's approach to a highly integrated hybrid-electric and autonomous VTOL aircraft.
HEX is Sikorsky’s first effort to integrate hybrid-electric propulsion and advanced autonomy into a VTOL aircraft.
Both technologies are complementary. HEX will allow Sikorsky to explore the benefits of hybrid-electric propulsion while eliminating mechanical complexity, and reducing maintenance cost.
Sikorsky’s MATRIX™ autonomy system will control the HEX power system, and manage optionally piloted flight for future manned and unmanned winged variants.
Artist concept of a tilt-wing, hybrid-electric autonomous unmanned aircraft, on city building helipad.
A hybrid-electric powerplant and autonomous flight are key building blocks for a future family of Sikorsky VTOL aircraft.
Sikorsky is planning a family of next generation VTOL aircraft with electric propulsion and flight autonomy as foundational technologies.
Geared toward military and commercial missions, the family of products will enable:
- Agile logisitics
- Advanced Air Mobility
- Collaborative VTOL UAS
The family of next-generation products will feature automated flight controls and varying degrees of electrification. Future aircraft will be more efficient and safer to fly, and more cost effective and sustainable to operate.
Speed
- X2® counter-rotating co-axial design with rear propulsor in place of a tail rotor.
- Flies twice as fast as a single main rotor helicopter.
- Dramatically improves maneuverability.
- Impressive low speed handling qualities.
- Three prototypes (X2 demonstrator; S-97 RAIDER®; SB-1 DEFIANT®).
Autonomy
- Matrix autonomy system has demonstrated diverse missions (AAM, firefighting, contested logistics, cargo transport).
- Optionally piloted. Can fly with two, one or zero pilots.
- Increases safety of flight while reducing workload.
- Proven on fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
Intelligence
- Analytical tools convert aircraft sensor data into actionable information.
- Improved logistics and operational flight hours for commercial operators.
- Resulting Customer Care Center monitors commercial fleets 24/7.
- Significant AOG and operational cost reductions.
- Positions parts and inventory to keep fleets flying.
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