Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky has unveiled its prototype of the Raider X scout helicopter. The next-gen scout helicopter, which is one of two contenders for the Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program, was revealed this week at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Meeting & Exposition in Washington, D.C.
The Raider X is competing with the Bell 360 Invictus for the FARA program that is set to replace the Bell OH-58 Kiowa Warrior retired in 2017. Development of both prototypes has been slowed due to delays in engine delivery.
“Raider X is a complete weapon system,” Jay Macklin, Sikorsky’s director of future vertical lift business development, said in a statement. “It provides significant reach, survivability, and lethality—much more than exists with today’s enduring fleet. Raider X will be plugged into the network as a key part of the combined arms force, enabling the ground commander to see and shape the battlefield.”
Earlier this month, Sikorsky president Paul Lemmo said the company was awaiting delivery of the General Electric T901 Improved Engine Turbine Program (ITEP), Janes reported. “As soon as we receive [the engine,] we will be able to immediately start the installation process in advance of ground testing and eventually flight-testing,” Lemmo said.
The ITEP is the Army’s next-generation replacement engine for the AH-64E Apache helicopters, the UH-60M/V and HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, as well as for the FARA.
Sikorsky expects to make the first flight before the fourth quarter of 2024, according to Janes.
