It is not only in the automobile sector that you will see changes in the near future. The aviation industry is also undergoing similar transformations. Sikorsky has announced plans for a hybrid electric vertical take-off/landing demonstration aircraft (HEX/VTOL), which will have a tilt-wing configuration. The design will be the first in a series of large, next-generation VTOL aircraft ranging from helicopters to winged configurations — which will have electrification and an advanced autonomy system for optionally piloted flight.
“We never stop innovating at Sikorsky,” said Sikorsky President Paul Lemmo. “Autonomy and electrification will bring transformational change to flight safety and operational efficiency of large VTOL aircraft. Our HEX demonstrator program will provide valuable insights as we look to a future family of aircraft built to the scale and preferred configurations relevant to commercial and military customers.”
The tilt-wing aircraft design is unique, but also adds functionality to the aircraft while improving other critical aspects. The ability to perform vertical landings, take-offs and have each aircraft travel at a speed greater than 500 nautical (or 575 miles), would be one of the most important elements. The HEX program is focused on efficiency and will focus on a greater than 500 nautical miles range at high speeds, fewer mechanical components to reduce complexity and lower maintenance costs.
Final designs are being made for a hybrid electric power system testbed, which will feature a 600KW electrical motor. The testbed will be the first step to check out the hover performance of the follow-on HEX demonstrator — a 9,000-pound maximum gross weight aircraft with a 1.2MW-class turbogenerator and associated power electronics. Sikorsky Innovations, the company’s prototyping group, and GE Aerospace are involved in this.
There is also the Autonomous aircraft The cost of flight will be further reduced and the pilot will no longer be required. This new family of planes will be significant for commercial as well as military applications.
“Within Sikorsky’s electric pillar, we are designing electric motors, power electronics, and our vehicle management hardware and actuation,” said Igor Cherepinsky, Sikorsky Innovations director. “HEX will integrate these components, showcase the growing maturity of our MATRIX™ autonomy suite, and the potential for maintenance-free systems. Seeing the results will lead us to more efficient overall designs.”
The application of technology will increase efficiency and lower costs.