RAIDER® is a next-generation light tactical prototype helicopter capable of carrying six troops and external weapons that will redefine helicopter flight during the 21st century.
Based on Sikorsky’s Collier Award-winning X2 Technology™, Raider incorporates the latest advances in fly-by-wire, flight controls, vehicle management systems, and systems integration. These technologies enable the aircraft to operate at high speeds while maintaining the low-speed handling qualities and maneuverability of conventional single main rotor helicopters. Raider can reach speeds of more than 220 knots, nearly double the speed of a conventional helicopter. Designed for "high and hot" operations, the helicopter is capable of flying at 10,000 feet in 95℉ heat.
Through the S-97 Raider aircraft, we are showing how Sikorsky X2 Technology can meet and exceed the key requirements of the U.S. Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA). In addition to serving the U.S. Army and Special Operations, the S-97 Raider helicopter could potentially be applied to U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps missions. The X2 Technology at the heart of the Raider helicopter is scalable to a variety of military missions including light assault, light attack, armed reconnaissance, close-air support, combat search and rescue, and unmanned applications.
The Raider program has been funded entirely by Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin and our industry partners.
Precise Low Speed Handling
RAIDER’s fly-by-wire control and rigid main rotor enables high agility at low speed.
Why It’s Mission Critical
Enables safe operations in complex, obstacle rich environments close to the ground.
Level Body Acceleration
RAIDER can add power to propeller and main rotor to speed up without changing attitude; helicopters have to tilt their main rotor.
Why It’s Mission Critical
Rapid acceleration in constrained spaces, minimizes exposure time to threats.
High Turn Rate
RAIDER’s rigid main rotor allows it to execute turns in half the distance of helicopters.
Why It’s Mission Critical
Decreases engagement time, increases lethality.
200kts High Speed Cruise Flight
Power can be shifted between main rotor and propeller enabling speed well in excess of FARA requirement.
Why It’s Mission Critical
Decreased time traversing the battlespace, reduces threat exposure time.
Dive on Target
RAIDER can reverse thrust on propeller to slow descent; no helicopter has this ability.
Why It’s Mission Critical
Increases lethality by increasing capability to place rounds on target.
Level Body Deceleration
RAIDER can reverse pitch on propeller to slow down; helicopters have to flare in order to slow down.
Why It’s Mission Critical
Maintains pilots’ eyes and weapons on target all the way to the objective.
Nose Down Hover
Helicopters can’t point nose (up or down) and maintain position at the same time.
Why It’s Mission Critical
Enables pilots to aim sensors and weapons in complex mountainous and urban environments.
Hover Propeller Disengaged
Helicopters require a tail rotor during flight for control; RAIDER can turn its propeller on and off.
Why It’s Mission Critical
‘Whisper Mode’ enables RAIDER to sneak up on targets.
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Aircraft Features | ||
| Low acoustic signature | |||
| Exceptional hover capability | |||
| High cruise speed | |||
| Agility for close air support | |||
| Fly-by-wire flight controls | |||
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Multi-Mission for Operational Flexibility | ||
| Internal aux fuel tank for extended range / increased endurance | |||
| Additional ammunition capacity | |||
| Six seat cabin | |||
| Aerial refueling capable | |||
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Weights | ||
| Maximum gross weight | 11,400 lb | ||
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Performance | ||
| HOGE capability | >6K/95 | ||
| Endurance (standard fuel) | >2.7hrs | ||
| Range | >600 km | ||
| Cruise speed | >220 kts | ||
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Deployability | ||
| C-17 loadout | Four aircraft | ||
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Payload | ||
| Hellfire missiles | |||
| 2.75" rockets | |||
| .50 cal gun | |||
| 7.62 mm gun | |||
Media Contact
Melissa Chadwick
+1 (202) 740-5997
Melissa.a.chadwick@lmco.com
Business Development Contact
+1 (800) WINGED-S (946-4337)
CSSCustPortalSuppt@sikorsky.com