On 15th September 2010 Sikorsky's X2 Demonstrator broke the unofficial speed record for a helicopter. The Demonstrator flew at a true air speed of 250 knots (460 km/h) in level flight. It even reached 260 knots (480 km/h) in a shallow dive during the 1 hour flight. Piloted by Sikorsky's Director of Flight Operations and Chief Pilot Kevin Bredenbeck the milestone flight acheived Sikorsky's design goal of 250 knots. The current FAI rotorcraft world speed record of 216 knots (398 km/h) is set by a modified Westland Lynx in 1986.
Sikorsky's X2 Tecnnology incorporates several new technologies. They include an integrated Fly-by-Wire system that allows the engine/rotor/propulsor system to operate efficiently with full control of rotor rpm throughout the flight envelope, high lift-to-drag rigid blades, low drag hub fairings, and Active Vibration Control.
Hopefully we would be seeing this new technology incorporated in RC Helicopters soon.
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