The team behind Sikorsky’s X2 technology demonstrator has won the 2010 Robert J. Collier Trophy, six months after the unique twin-coaxial rotorcraft set an unofficial speed record for a helicopter of 250 knots.
“Sikorsky has a long and storied history of innovation, starting with the invention of the world’s first practical helicopter and continuing today with X2 technology and the exciting new possibilities it opens for our company and our industry,” said Sikorsky president Jeff Pino.
The X2 program kicked off in 2005 when Sikorsky first committed resources and funding for the program’s development of a co-axial, auxiliary propulsion helicopter. The X2’s Collier Trophy victory marks the second time Sikorsky has won the trophy, after the S-92 helicopter program received the award in 2002.
“As the X2 Technology program transitions to its first application, we are confident that the design has a tremendous future and is scalable for a variety of rotorcraft sizes and applications. This recognition is warm acknowledgement of the great things that can be achieved when the spirit of innovation and dedication to the task are the foundation,” said Sikorsky vice president of research and engineering Mark Miller.
Sikorsky recently unveiled a proposed light attack/scout version of the X2 called the S-97 Raider and is exploring possible civil versions. The Collier Trophy will be presented at the Annual Collier Dinner on May 5 in Arlington, Virginia. First presented in 1910, past winners have included Orville Wright, Howard Hughes and Chuck Yeager.
