Sikorsky will be revealing the new, top secret, S-97 Raider to the general public for the very first time on October 2nd! The Sikorsky S-97 Raider is a high-speed scout and attack helicopter based on the Sikorsky X2 demonstrator. The S-97 features coaxial main rotors and a pusher propeller, making the S-97 a compound helicopter. The S-97 will be capable of carrying up to six passengers, in addition to a flight crew of two in a side-by-side cockpit. However, the production S-97 is projected to be capable of flying with either one or two pilots, or autonomously.
The S-97 Raider is intended as a contender for the United States Army’s requirement for an Armed Aerial Scout to replace the Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. Other military roles are possible, with the U.S. Special Operations Command having expressed interest in the concept as a replacement for the MH-6 Little Bird, and the possibility of adapting it for civilian applications also exists.
The aircraft is powered by one General Electric YT706 engine, the same engine used on the UH-60M Black Hawk. The first Raider is scheduled to fly at the end of 2014.