Sikorsky is developing a new hybrid airplane with variable wing angle with a range of 926 kilometers
Sikorsky is developing a hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (HEX/VTOL) aircraft with variable wing angle that will be part of a new family of hybrid rotary-wing aircraft that will also be able to fly autonomously without pilot intervention.
Many companies are emerging on the market that create non-traditional rotary-wing aircraft, many of which are electric or hybrid. Adding another one to this list might not attract much attention. However, when a novelty comes from such an important player in the aerospace industry as Sikorsky, it deserves attention.
The new HEX program will be a continuation of Lockheed Martin’s work and includes three hybrid, autonomous rotary-wing aircraft. One of them is a traditional helicopter, the other is a quadcopter with moving gondolas. However, the main feature is the design with variable angle wings, which allows for vertical takeoff and landing, as well as horizontal flight with wings for greater speed and range of the aircraft type.
The goal is to combine high speed with a range of more than 500 nautical miles (926 km). The completed demonstrator will have a maximum takeoff weight of 9,000 pounds (about 4,000 kg) and will be equipped with a 1.2 MW class turbine generator. At the same time, Sikorsky Innovations and GE Aerospace are completing a test bench for hybrid-electric power systems with a 600 kW electric motor for hover testing.
The new HEX family will include aircraft with varying degrees of electrification. This allows for a design that is mechanically simpler, which is important for an airplane with variable wing or rotor angle, which often have problems with complex mechanical linkage and control systems. In addition, the new vehicles will have a high degree of autonomy, making them optionally unmanned.
“As part of Sikorsky’s electrical business, we develop electric motors, power electronics and our own vehicle control and actuation equipment,” said Igor Cherepinsky, director of Sikorsky Innovations. “HEX will integrate these components, demonstrate the growing maturity of our MATRIX autonomy suite, and the potential for maintenance-free systems. Seeing the results will guide us to more effective overall designs.“
