Dubbed the SpeedHawk by Piasecki, the X-49 is being developed with incremental funding from the US Army's Aviation Applied Technology Division to demonstrate the ability to increase the speed of existing helicopters to 200kt (360km/h). The VTDP replaces the tail rotor and provides thrust for forward flight, while the wing unloads the rotor and allows the helicopter to fly faster. Initially the aircraft will be flown within the SH-60's existing flight envelope, but the company then plans to install a third engine and push the helicopter to 200kt, says vice-president John Piasecki.
by wesm12 4 years ago