Sikorsky's S-97 Raider Makes First Flight

Sikorsky’s S-97 Raider Makes First Flight

Megan Elliott

Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 09:16 PM ET

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Sikorsky S-97 Raider during its first flight. Sikorsky

Key Takeaways:

Sikorsky's S-97 Raider helicopter successfully completed its first flight on May 22, testing its hover and low-speed capabilities.
The Raider is a multi-mission aircraft designed to transport six troops and external weapons, featuring coaxial counter-rotating rotors and a pusher propeller for speeds up to 240 knots.
Following its initial test, the helicopter is scheduled for progressive combat-related testing and a demonstration tour in 2016 after the second prototype is completed in 2015.

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Nearly a year ago, Sikorsky’s S-97 Raider helicopter powered up for the first time; now the first prototype is air-bound.

The Raider successfully completed its first flight at Sikorsky’s Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, on May 22. During the hour-long flight, pilot Bill Fell and co-pilot Kevin Bredenbeck tested the helicopter’s hover and low-speed capabilities.