Armament and combat capabilities of the Sikorsky Raider X helicopter (USA)
As part of the US Army Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program, Lockheed Martin / Sikorsky has developed a promising reconnaissance and attack helicopter Raider X. Currently, one of the company's factories is completing the construction of the first prototype of this type. Next year, she will have to go to the test and confirm the calculated characteristics, as well as demonstrate her combat capabilities. At the same time, Sikorsky is already ready to show the helicopter in combat configuration.
Under construction
The development of the Raider X helicopter for the FARA program was first reported in October 2019. At the same time, the main features of this project were revealed and the first computer images of the future machine were shown, incl. with weapons ready for use. However, detailed information about weapons and related systems was not published at that time.
In March 2020, the US Army chose the most successful out of five proposals for the FARA program. The Raider X project and the Bell 360 helicopter were to be further developed. The development companies received orders to complete the design and build experimental equipment. According to the original plans, flight tests of the two machines were supposed to start in 2022, but then they were shifted to 2023.
The other day, in the last days of June, the Sikorsky company spoke about the current work and the latest successes of its project. So, at the plant in West Palm Beach (Florida), the first prototype is being built. To date, it is about 90% ready, and the company already has 98% of the necessary parts and components. The construction is carried out under the supervision of the army, and the acceptance procedures are 50% complete.
Obviously, the delivery of the remaining 2% of the parts and the completion of 10% of the construction will not take much time. However, officials are not yet ready to name the exact dates for the completion of construction and the release of the helicopter for flight tests.
The development company has published two photos of an experienced helicopter in the assembly shop. They show that the assembly of the fuselage is complete, but it still needs to be painted. The machine is on its own chassis. The carrier system is partially assembled on the basis of the original screw hub. The installation of internal equipment and equipment continues.
In addition, the helicopter is already receiving weapons - an artillery mount and beam holders for missiles. At the same time, all the necessary fairings and, probably, weapons control equipment are still missing. It is also obvious that mock-ups of guided missiles were hung from the helicopter before the photo shoot.
"Earth-surface"
According to the requirements of the FARA program, a promising helicopter should be able to monitor ground objects, identify targets and use one or another weapon on them. The Raider X project complies with such requirements, which is reflected in promotional materials and shown on the example of a prototype under construction.
A movable gun mount is placed under the forward fuselage. She receives a casing with characteristic contours, indicating a decrease in stealth. Behind it there is an additional fairing; probably, in it the helicopter in flight should hide the barrels of the guns. The prototype in the workshop does not yet have casings and fairings, but has already received a tool, which allows us to consider some design features.
Raider X is equipped with a 20mm triple-barreled automatic cannon. This can be a serial M197 product used on various foreign helicopters, or its modified version. The gun is placed on a mobile installation with the possibility of guidance in two planes. There is probably a down-to-back firing mode on the span. The M197 cannon and its derivatives can use 20x102 mm rounds with various types of high-explosive fragmentation and armor-piercing projectiles.
Behind the cabin, in the central part of the fuselage, a multifunctional cargo compartment is provided. It is equipped with side flaps that open up and to the sides. Pylons and beam holders for missile weapons are placed on the inner side of each leaf. In the flight position, the doors are closed, and the weapon is inside the fuselage. This improves the aerodynamics of the helicopter and reduces visibility. Before the use of weapons, the doors are raised, as a result of which the missiles are "on an external sling."
On the suspension, the helicopter will be able to carry various products. Advertising images showed ammunition in the form of two AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and four small bombs on each side with the placement of weapons in two tiers. Recent photos show the use of two-tier holders with four Hellfire missiles on board. Probably, real helicopters will be able to use other weapons.
With the help of a cannon, the Raider X helicopter will be able to attack unprotected and lightly armored targets at a slant range of no more than 1,5-2 km. Rate of fire up to 1500 rds / min. increases the probability of hitting small objects. AGM-114 missiles will increase the firing range to 11 km and, depending on the modification and equipment, will be able to hit armored vehicles or other objects.
The combat load of the Raider X helicopter has not yet been named, but published materials allow us to evaluate it. So, the total mass of eight AGM-114 missiles reaches 400 kg, to which you need to add the weight of the shells for the gun. Accordingly, the total payload of the helicopter must reach or exceed 500 kg.
Promising platform
The combat qualities of the new aviation complex will depend not only on the composition and characteristics of their weapons, but also on the helicopter itself. The main goal of the Raider X project is to improve flight performance, but other measures are also envisaged. All this should make the new helicopter a successful and efficient platform for equipment and weapons.
The Raider X helicopter is built according to the original scheme, known as the Sikorsky X2. He received a carrier system with two counter-rotating coaxial propellers with a diameter of 12 m, providing lift and flight at low speeds. Acceleration to increased speed is provided by a separate pusher propeller in the tail. All propellers are driven by a single General Electric T901 turboshaft engine with an HP 3000 power. through the gearbox of the original design.
It is expected that a helicopter with a takeoff weight of at least 6 tons will be able to reach speeds of more than 250 knots (from 460 km/h). The practical ceiling will be at the level of 2,7-3 km. At the same time, Raider X will retain all the capabilities of conventional helicopters. He will be able to hang, fly at low speed, perform vigorous maneuvers, etc.
Raider X and other samples of the FARA program are intended for reconnaissance of ground targets. In this regard, he needs a multi-purpose sighting and navigation system, which includes equipment for various purposes and has the potential for modernization.
Apparently, the main means of observation and detection will be an optoelectronic station with day, night and laser ranging channels. In addition, with its help, the use of barrel and missile weapons will be ensured. The model of this product and the method of its placement are unknown. Moreover, such an aggregate has not yet been seen in published materials. Perhaps the "ball" with optics will be made retractable so as not to degrade visibility parameters. In addition, it cannot be excluded that the optics will be integrated into the gun mount, due to which some technical advantages will be obtained.
The composition of the PRNK should include means of communication and integration into the contours of command and control of troops. Data on found targets should be transmitted to headquarters, firepower or other consumers with minimal delay or even in real time. In addition, data and target designation should also go in the other direction - from other reconnaissance means to the helicopter.
However, the exact composition of the onboard electronic equipment and its capabilities are still unknown. We can only talk about the main functions and overall potential. In addition, various weapon configurations are demonstrated, which to some extent reveals this topic.
Soon
The Raider X project from Sikorsky / Lockheed Martin is moving forward successfully. The construction of the first prototype is coming to an end, and in the foreseeable future it will be able to take to the air for the first time. Then comparative tests will take place, according to the results of which the Pentagon will choose the most successful development for further development and future re-equipment of the army aviation.
Whether Raider X will be able to win the current competition is unknown. However, the development company is doing everything possible for this and pays the necessary attention to all major areas. A new unusual aerial platform has already been developed, and now it is receiving weapons. So far, these are only mock-ups, but in the future it is planned to use real products of all necessary types.
- Ryabov Kirill
- Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin
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