Sikorsky X2 Wins Collier Trophy

March 24, 2011 — Sikorsky Aircraft Company’s X2 Technology demonstrator, which last year achieved a record 250 knots true air speed in level flight, was recently named winner of the 2010 Robert J. Collier Trophy from the National Aeronautic Association. The aircraft uses a unique propulsion system of counter-rotating rigid rotor blades rotors powered by a LHTEC T800-LHT-801 turboshaft engine. The aircraft also has an integrated auxiliary propulsion system - a rear pusher prop. The X2 has achieved the company’s four key performance objectives: low single-pilot workload, low vibration, low acoustic signature, and speed.

This is the second Collier Trophy for Sikorsky, the other coming in 2002 for its S-92 helicopter.

The Collier Trophy is awarded annually to recognize America’s greatest achievements in aeronautics or astronautics. This is the 100th Collier Trophy awarded since its inception in 1911.

---------------------------