{{short description|American high-speed scout and attack compound helicopter}} <!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout, and guidelines. --> {{Infobox aircraft | name = S-97 Raider | logo = | logo_size = | image = | alt = S-97 Raider in flight | caption = The Raider X is based on the [[S-97 Raider]], seen here in flight | long_caption = | other_names = | aircraft_type = Reconnaissance and [[attack helicopter|attack]] [[helicopter|compound helicopter]] | aim = | outcome = | related = | national_origin = [[United States]] | manufacturer = [[Sikorsky Aircraft]] | design_group = | designer = | builder = | issuer = | status = Canceled | owners = | primary_user = | more_users = | service = | major_applications = | proposals = | prototypes = | number_built = | construction_number = | civil_registration = | military_serial = | radio_code = | requirement = | aircraft_carried = | flights = | total_hours = | total_distance = | construction_date = | introduction = | retired = | first_flight = | initiated = | in_service = | last_flight = | expected = | developed_from = [[Sikorsky S-97 Raider]] | variants = | developed_into = | preservation = | fate = | predecessors = | successors = | concluded = }}
The '''Sikorsky Raider X''' (stylized in all-caps as '''RAIDER X''') ('''Sikorsky S-102'''<ref>{{citation |title=Sikorsky Lifts the Army |url=http://www.sikorskyarchives.com/sikorsky-lifts-the-army |periodical=Sikorsky Archives News |page=7 |accessdate=21 April 2025 |date=July 2022}}</ref>) is a [[compound helicopter]] concept with two [[coaxial rotors]] and a single [[Propeller (aeronautics)|pusher propeller]], designed by the [[Sikorsky Aircraft]] division of [[Lockheed Martin]] for the [[United States Army]] [[Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft]] (FARA) program. The Raider X concept was announced in October 2019. In March 2020, the Army selected the Raider X and the [[Bell 360 Invictus]] from a field of five design concept candidates. The Raider X and 360 Invictus concepts were to be built as flying prototypes for a competition scheduled for 2023. The FARA program was canceled in 2024.
==Development== Contracts were awarded in April 2019 to develop concept design candidates for FARA; five different teams were selected, including Sikorsky.<ref name="DN-190423">{{cite news |author=Judson |first=Jen |date=23 April 2019 |title=US Army picks 5 teams to design new attack recon helicopter |url=https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/aaaa/2019/04/23/us-army-picks-5-teams-to-design-new-us-army-attack-recon-helicopter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240110044307/https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/aaaa/2019/04/23/us-army-picks-5-teams-to-design-new-us-army-attack-recon-helicopter/ |archive-date=10 January 2024 |access-date=15 October 2019 |work=Defense News}}</ref>
Sikorsky presented the Raider X concept candidate at the annual meeting of the [[Association of the United States Army]] on October 14, 2019. The Raider X concept was derived from the earlier [[Sikorsky S-97 Raider]], which had been developed for the Army's [[Armed Aerial Scout]] program; the S-97 was in turn developed from the [[Sikorsky X2]] prototype compound coaxial helicopter.<ref name="ars">{{cite news |author=Gallagher |first=Sean |date=14 October 2019 |title=Sikorsky makes its bid for Army's next scout copter |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2019/10/sikorsky-makes-its-bid-for-armys-next-scout-copter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524182117/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2019/10/sikorsky-makes-its-bid-for-armys-next-scout-copter/ |archive-date=24 May 2023 |access-date=26 March 2020 |work=Ars Technica}}</ref> A larger [[Sikorsky–Boeing SB-1 Defiant]] was also developed from the X2 under the Army's [[Future Vertical Lift]] program to create a joint multi-role rotorcraft; the SB-1 was a candidate for the [[Future Long Range Assault Aircraft]] program.<ref>{{cite news |author=Parsons |first=Dan |date=16 March 2020 |title=Bell's Valor, Sikorsky/Boeing Defiant advance in U.S. Army Future Assault Aircraft program |url=https://www.verticalmag.com/news/bell-valor-boeing-sikorsky-defiant-flraa-selection/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409121207/https://verticalmag.com/news/bell-valor-boeing-sikorsky-defiant-flraa-selection/ |archive-date=9 April 2023 |access-date=26 March 2020 |work=Vertical}}</ref> The Sikorsky compound helicopter designs all use coaxial rigid rotors and a pusher propeller, which Sikorsky has collectively named "X2 Technology".<ref>{{cite web |title=Game-changing X2 Technology™ for Future Tactical Missions |url=https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/x2-helicopter-technology-demonstrator.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213122832/https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/x2-helicopter-technology-demonstrator.html |archive-date=13 December 2023 |access-date=26 March 2020 |website=Lockheed Martin}}</ref>
On March 25, 2020, the Army selected the Raider X and [[Bell 360 Invictus]] concept design candidates to proceed to an eventual flight competition;<ref>{{cite news |author=Host |first=Pat |date=25 March 2020 |title=US Army selects Bell, Sikorsky for FARA-CP programme |url=https://www.janes.com/article/95110/us-army-selects-bell-sikorsky-for-fara-cp-programme |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504002922/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-army-selects-bell-sikorsky-for-fara-cp-programme |archive-date=4 May 2021 |access-date=26 March 2020 |work=Jane's Defence Weekly}}</ref> flying prototypes of each candidate design will be constructed, followed by test flights in 2022 leading up to a competitive flying demonstration no later than fall 2023.<ref name="DN-181003">{{cite news |author=Judson |first=Jen |date=3 October 2018 |title=US Army triggers design competition for future attack reconnaissance helicopter |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2018/10/03/us-army-triggers-design-competition-for-future-attack-reconnaissance-helicopter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240110035325/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2018/10/03/us-army-triggers-design-competition-for-future-attack-reconnaissance-helicopter/ |archive-date=10 January 2024 |access-date=15 October 2019 |work=Defense News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Reim |first=Garrett |date=25 March 2020 |title=US Army selects Bell and Sikorsky to build FARA prototypes |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/us-army-selects-bell-and-sikorsky-to-build-fara-prototypes/137538.article |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408162912/https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/us-army-selects-bell-and-sikorsky-to-build-fara-prototypes/137538.article |archive-date=8 April 2020 |access-date=26 March 2020 |work=FlightGlobal}}</ref> Sikorsky had already begun construction of its Raider X prototype by February 2020.<ref>{{cite news |author=Judson |first=Jen |date=20 February 2020 |title=Lockheed's Raider X enters construction in advance of US Army's decision on way forward |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2020/02/20/lockheeds-raider-x-already-under-construction/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200224063938/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2020/02/20/lockheeds-raider-x-already-under-construction/ |archive-date=24 February 2020 |access-date=26 March 2020 |work=Defense News}}</ref>
The US Army canceled its next generation Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program, service officials announced on 8 February 2024,<ref name=":0">{{cite news |last1=Everstine |first1=Brian |last2=Trimble |first2=Steve |title=U.S. Army Cancels FARA In Overhaul Of Aviation Plans |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/us-army-cancels-fara-overhaul-aviation-plans |access-date= 10 February 2024 |work=Aviation Week Intelligence Network |publisher=Informa Markets |date= 8 February 2024}}</ref> taking a potential multi-billion-dollar contract off the table and throwing the service’s long-term aviation plans into doubt.
Raider X was powered up in April 2024, but Sikorsky has no plans for flights.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/sikorsky-powers-up-raider-x-prototype-but-has-no-plans-to-fly/158011.article | title=Sikorsky powers up Raider X prototype but has no plans to fly }}</ref>
==Design== The Raider X, as required by FARA program specifications, is designed to use a single [[General Electric T901]] engine.<ref>{{cite web |author=Worley |first=Sam |date=17 October 2019 |title=Meet Raider-X, America's Next-Gen Chopper |url=https://www.ge.com/reports/blades-of-glory-meet-raider-x-americas-next-gen-chopper/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113023943/https://www.ge.com/news/reports/blades-of-glory-meet-raider-x-americas-next-gen-chopper |archive-date=13 November 2021 |access-date=26 March 2020 |website=Blades of Glory [blog] |publisher=General Electric}}</ref> The GE T901 was developed under the Army's [[Improved Turbine Engine Program]] as the new engine for existing and future Army rotorcraft.<ref>{{cite news |author=Judson |first=Jen |date=15 April 2019 |title=Army sees path to accelerate ITEP engine program with GE |url=https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/aaaa/2019/04/15/army-sees-path-to-accelerate-itep-engine-program-with-ge/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190415132803/https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/aaaa/2019/04/15/army-sees-path-to-accelerate-itep-engine-program-with-ge/ |archive-date=15 April 2019 |access-date=26 March 2020 |work=Defense News}}</ref> Based on S-97 and X2 performance, Raider X is expected to have a maximum speed exceeding {{convert|250|kn|abbr=on}} with a service ceiling greater than {{convert|9000|ft}}.<ref name=ars/> Sikorsky considers the S-97 to be an 80% scale model of Raider X; Raider X is expected to weigh {{convert|14000|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite news |author=Parsons |first=Dan |date=14 October 2019 |title=Sikorsky reveals Raider X for Army's FARA program |url=https://www.verticalmag.com/news/sikorsky-reveals-raider-x-for-armys-fara-program/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119050959/https://verticalmag.com/news/sikorsky-reveals-raider-x-for-armys-fara-program/ |archive-date=19 January 2022 |access-date=26 March 2020 |work=Vertical}}</ref> [[Swift Engineering]] will design and build the fuselage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 December 2019 |title=Swift Engineering Selected for the Design and Construction of FARA Airframe for Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company |url=https://www.swiftengineering.com/press/swift-engineering-selected-for-the-design-and-construction-of-fara-airframe-for-sikorsky-a-lockheed-martin-company/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601062839/https://www.swiftengineering.com/press/swift-engineering-selected-for-the-design-and-construction-of-fara-airframe-for-sikorsky-a-lockheed-martin-company/ |archive-date=1 June 2023 |website=Swift Engineering}}</ref>
The cockpit uses side-by-side seats instead of the [[Tandem#aviation|tandem]] seating typical of American attack helicopters; internal weapons and sensors are mounted using a modular system, in accordance with FARA specifications, to anticipate future upgrades and obsolescence.<ref name=ars/> <!--==Operational history==-->
==Specifications (Raider X)== {{Aircraft specs |ref= |prime units?=imp
|crew= two |capacity= |length m= |length ft= |length in= |length note= |span m= |span ft= |span in= |span note= |height m= |height ft= |height in= |height note= |empty weight kg= |empty weight lb= |empty weight note= |gross weight kg= |gross weight lb= |gross weight note= |max takeoff weight kg= |max takeoff weight lb= |max takeoff weight note= |fuel capacity= |more general=
|eng1 number= 1 |eng1 name= [[General Electric T901]] |eng1 type= [[turboshaft]] |eng1 kw= |eng1 shp=3000 |eng1 note= (main powerplant)
|eng2 number= |eng2 name= |eng2 type= |eng2 kw= |eng2 shp= |eng2 note= <!--(supplemental power unit)-->
|rot number=2 |rot dia m= |rot dia ft=39 |rot dia in= |rot area sqm= |rot area sqft= |rot area note=
|max speed kmh= |max speed mph= |max speed kts= |max speed note= |cruise speed kmh= |cruise speed mph= |cruise speed kts= |cruise speed note= |range km= |range miles= |range nmi= |range note= |ferry range km= |ferry range miles= |ferry range nmi= |ferry range note= |endurance= |ceiling m= |ceiling ft= |ceiling note= |g limits= |roll rate= |climb rate ms= |climb rate ftmin= |climb rate note= |time to altitude= |sink rate ms= |sink rate ftmin= |sink rate note= |lift to drag= |disk loading kg/m2= |disk loading lb/sqft= |disk loading note= |fuel consumption kg/km= |fuel consumption lb/mi= |power/mass=
|more performance=
|avionics= }}
==See also== {{aircontent |see also= |related= * [[Sikorsky S-69]] * [[Sikorsky X2]] * [[Sikorsky S-97 Raider]] * [[Sikorsky–Boeing SB-1 Defiant]] |similar aircraft= * [[Bell 360 Invictus]]
|lists= }}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== <!--{{commons category|Sikorsky Raider X}}--> * [https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/fara-raider-x.html Raider X] at Lockheed Martin
{{Sikorsky Aircraft}}
[[Category:Coaxial rotor helicopters]] [[Category:Compound helicopters]] [[Category:United States military helicopters]] [[Category:Sikorsky aircraft|Raider X]] [[Category:2020s United States helicopters]] [[Category:2020s United States attack aircraft]] [[Category:Single-turbine helicopters]]