Sikorsky has taken a glimpse into the future and it's the fastest chopper ever created -- flying 287 mph with the greatest of ease.
On Monday, the Stratford-based company unveiled the X2 Technology Light Tactical Helicopter during the Army Aviation Association of America conference in Nashville.
The speedy, light-weight chopper could push the limits on what helicopters can do and also corners like it's on rails, to steal a phrase from Pretty Woman.
The company wants to get the new copter up to 250-knot cruising speed (or 287 miles per hour) but still handle well at low speeds and offer efficient hovering, auto rotation safety and a seamless and simple transition to high speed.
The fastest existing helicopter is the Lynx, which in 1986 broke the record for the fastest speed ever achieved by a chopper, recording 249 mph, according to the Military Channel.
“These technologies can potentially bring new rotor-craft capabilities that, to date, have been unachievable by the industry,” said Sikorsky President Jeffrey Pino.
The aircraft took its first flight in August 2008 and is still being improved.
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The copter is a combat chopper that has "multi-mission capabilities" and will meet regular U.S. Army and Special Operations future requirements in a variety of combat roles.
