S-97 RAIDER® Light Helicopter Technology

RAIDER® is a next-generation light tactical prototype helicopter capable of carrying six troops and external weapons that will redefine helicopter flight during the 21st century.

Based on Sikorsky’s Collier Award-winning X2 Technology™, Raider incorporates the latest advances in fly-by-wire, flight controls, vehicle management systems, and systems integration. These technologies enable the aircraft to operate at high speeds while maintaining the low-speed handling qualities and maneuverability of conventional single main rotor helicopters. Raider can reach speeds of more than 220 knots, nearly double the speed of a conventional helicopter. Designed for "high and hot" operations, the helicopter is capable of flying at 10,000 feet in 95℉ heat.

Through the S-97 Raider aircraft, we are showing how Sikorsky X2 Technology can meet and exceed the key requirements of the U.S. Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA).  In addition to serving the U.S. Army and Special Operations, the S-97 Raider helicopter could potentially be applied to U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps missions. The X2 Technology at the heart of the Raider helicopter is scalable to a variety of military missions including light assault, light attack, armed reconnaissance, close-air support, combat search and rescue, and unmanned applications.

The Raider program has been funded entirely by Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin and our industry partners.

S-97® Demonstrator Flight Maneuvers   ___
Precise Low Speed Handling

Precise Low Speed Handling

RAIDER’s fly-by-wire control and rigid main rotor enables high agility at low speed.

Why It’s Mission Critical
Enables safe operations in complex, obstacle rich environments close to the ground.

Level Body Acceleration

Level Body Acceleration

RAIDER can add power to propeller and main rotor to speed up without changing attitude; helicopters have to tilt their main rotor.

Why It’s Mission Critical
Rapid acceleration in constrained spaces, minimizes exposure time to threats.

High Turn Rate

High Turn Rate

RAIDER’s rigid main rotor allows it to execute turns in half the distance of helicopters.

Why It’s Mission Critical
Decreases engagement time, increases lethality.

200kts High Speed Cruise Flight

200kts High Speed Cruise Flight

Power can be shifted between main rotor and propeller enabling speed well in excess of FARA requirement.

Why It’s Mission Critical
Decreased time traversing the battlespace, reduces threat exposure time.

Dive on Target

Dive on Target

RAIDER can reverse thrust on propeller to slow descent; no helicopter has this ability.

Why It’s Mission Critical
Increases lethality by increasing capability to place rounds on target.

Level Body Deceleration

Level Body Deceleration

RAIDER can reverse pitch on propeller to slow down; helicopters have to flare in order to slow down.

Why It’s Mission Critical
Maintains pilots’ eyes and weapons on target all the way to the objective.

Nose Down Hover

Nose Down Hover

Helicopters can’t point nose (up or down) and maintain position at the same time.

Why It’s Mission Critical
Enables pilots to aim sensors and weapons in complex mountainous and urban environments.

Hover Propeller Disengaged

Hover Propeller Disengaged

Helicopters require a tail rotor during flight for control; RAIDER can turn its propeller on and off.

Why It’s Mission Critical
‘Whisper Mode’ enables RAIDER to sneak up on targets.

Sikorsky Raider® Helicopter Hits 200 Knots   ___

 

Specifications and Dimensions   ___
     Aircraft Features
    Low acoustic signature
    Exceptional hover capability
    High cruise speed
    Agility for close air support
    Fly-by-wire flight controls
       
     Multi-Mission for Operational Flexibility
    Internal aux fuel tank for extended range / increased endurance
    Additional ammunition capacity
    Six seat cabin
    Aerial refueling capable
       
     Weights
    Maximum gross weight 11,400 lb

 

  Performance
    HOGE capability >6K/95
    Endurance (standard fuel) >2.7hrs
    Range >600 km
    Cruise speed >220 kts
       
  Deployability
    C-17 loadout Four aircraft
       
  Payload
    Hellfire missiles
    2.75" rockets
    .50 cal gun
    7.62 mm gun

 

Multimedia   ___

 

Stay Informed: The Latest News on the S-97 Raider®   ___
Oct 24, 2023
Press Release
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company is beginning the installation process of the U.S. Army’s new Improved Turbine Engine (ITEP) on its RAIDER X® aircraft designed for the Future Attack Reconnaissance (FARA) program.
Oct 09, 2023
Story
With an increasingly complex future threat environment and swift pace of technological change, enabling rapid upgrades and putting real-time decision making closer to the fight is critical for mission success.
Jul 10, 2023
Story
This year, the U.S. Army plans to hold the first of two Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) verification demonstrations as part of its competition for the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA).
Additional Information   ___
Contacts   ___

Media Contact

Melissa Chadwick
+1 (202) 740-5997
Melissa.a.chadwick@lmco.com

Business Development Contact

+1 (800) WINGED-S (946-4337)
CSSCustPortalSuppt@sikorsky.com