Sikorsky will produce a hybrid-electric demonstrator (HEX), a 7,000-pound-plus, fully-autonomous eVTOL prototype which will serve as a flying test-bed for evaluating large aircraft design, novel propulsion systems and control architectures for sustained hover as well as ranges greater than 500 nautical miles.
As part of the HEX project, GE Aerospace will provide a CT7 turboshaft engine combined with a 1MW-class generator and associated power electronics, which will build on its hybrid electric propulsion systems in development for both NASA and the U.S. army.
“As Sikorsky celebrates 100 years of flight innovations, it’s fitting to highlight our continued commitment to safe and sustainable transformative flight,” said Paul Lemmo, President, Sikorsky. “Sikorsky’s HEX aircraft will provide critical insights into the possibilities of electric systems in VTOL aircraft. Ultimately, we want to show the potential of large, advanced air mobility vehicles to perform utility missions for the U.S. military and transport passengers between cities.”
The HEX programme will be led by Sikorsky Innovations rapid prototyping team and its Director, Igor Cherepinsky. The Innovations team will design, build and integrate the HEX airframe and electric motors with the company’s MATRIX autonomy flight control system, which will control flight aboard the HEX aircraft.
“Bringing innovative technology is a top priority for GE Aerospace,” said Amy Gowder, President and CEO of Defense and Systems, GE Aerospace. “We are committed to developing hybrid electric propulsion systems that save fuel and optimise performance for military and commercial applications.”
“We are thrilled to build off our existing work with NASA and the [US] Army to power Sikorsky’s HEX aircraft and bolster the future of flight,” added Gowder.
