Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company has started the installation process of the U.S. Army’s new Improved Turbine Engine (ITEP) in its Raider X aircraft.
The FARA Program
The Raider X aircraft is built for the Future Attack Reconnaissance (FARA) program. Sikorsky engineers and the U.S. Army reviewed the engine thoroughly after it arrived at Lockheed’s West Palm Beach facility.
After the arrival, it was then transferred to the engine integration test lab next to the Raider X assemble area on 20th October.
Future Vertical Lift Vice President Andy Adams commented on the engineering capabilities of the Raider X saying:
“Lockheed Martin’s model-based systems engineering approach gives the Sikorsky team confidence in this final phase of the Raider X build which brings us one step closer to completing this weapon system that will match the rapid pace of the reconnaissance mission.”
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He added: “The data Raider X gathers – and the speed and agility with which it operates – will support the Army’s mission for deep sensing capability and unsurpassed networking, connecting Soldiers and the joint force to the information they need to complete their missions.”
Project Nears Completion
The Raider X project is now 98% completed. After fitting additional instrumentation, Sikorsky will begin engine installation as soon as possible. Following that its final system tests and check-outs will be accomplished.
Those items will be followed by an engine turn-on and will drive system check-out with the ITEP in the aircraft.
An acceptance flight which will then proceed to the first flight depends on all systems checks being successful.
Raider X First Flight
The aircraft is expected to fly for the first time in late 2024. The engine and aircraft are approved for flight by
First flight is expected in late 2024, when the engine and aircraft are approved for flight by the Army. Moreover, the Army also intends to transfer the ITEP engine to the first Black Hawk fleet in due course.
“With increased fuel efficiency and 50% more power than the current engine, the ITEP engine is one of the cornerstones to Black Hawk modernization and will increase the aircraft’s lift capability and range,” Adams said.
“As the U.S. Army fields Future Vertical Lift aircraft, the Black Hawk will remain the foundational tactical air assault and utility aircraft for the U.S. Army.”
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is one of the largest defense suppliers in the world and has been playing a pivotal world in the global defense scene, in particular for allies of the United States.
Lockheed Martin is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. The company is categorized as a security and aerospace company, that employs around 116,000 employees globally.
The company is known for its engagement in the research and design, development manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems for weapons, aircraft, and warships.
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 in its Raider X aircraft. ){kind=link}