Sikorsky Debuts 'Rotor Blown Wing' UAS

Drone successfully flies in both helicopter and fixed-wing flight modes.

Kimberly Johnson

Monday, March 10, 2025 at 03:44 PM ET

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Kimberly Johnson

Sikorsky demonstrates a rotor blown wing tail sitter drone can transition between helicopter and fixed wing flight modes. [Courtesy: Sikorsky]

Key Takeaways:

Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky successfully flew its "rotor blown wing" uncrewed aerial system, demonstrating stable operation in both helicopter (VTOL) and fixed-wing flight modes.
The drone performed 30 transitions between helicopter and airplane modes, showcasing robust maneuverability and reaching a top cruise speed of 86 knots.
This innovative and scalable design has potential applications ranging from military intelligence and surveillance to search and rescue, offering faster and farther flight than traditional helicopters.

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Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky has successfully flown its “rotor blown wing” uncrewed aerial system in both helicopter and fixed-wing flight modes, it announced Monday.

The 115-pound twin-prop drone with a 10-foot wingspan takes off and lands like a helicopter from a tail-sitting configuration, transitioning and cruising in forward flight like an airplane. The “rotor blown wing” term stems from the constant airflow from the proprotor wash across the wing, according to the company.