HELI-EXPO CONVENTION NEWS
DAY 2
FEBRUARY 28, 2024
AINONLINE.COM The show floor was buzzing on Tuesday when exhibits opened. Attendees can see nearly 60 helicopters on static display here this week.
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sustainable flight. Lemmo called HEX “transformative” for the company. Sikorsky unveiled renderings of its HEX concept “We plan to apply learnings from HEX to both existing hybrid-electric and autonomous tilt-wing technology products and new aircraft in the future,” he said, adding demonstration aircraft on yesterday at Heli-Expo 2024. that it will “serve as a testbed for demonstrating autonFirst flight is planned for 2026 and design goals include omy and hybrid propulsion, form the foundation for a range greater than 500 nm, high speed, and a 9,000- future product development across a range of configurations, and create opportunities for customer engagement pound maximum gross weight. Developed in collaboration with GE, the design features a and experimentation.” 1.2-megawatt GE turbogenerator propulsion pack, integrated Lemmo said HEX would be used to fulfill the goals of flight and motor controls developed under Sikorsky’s Matrix “three emerging mission concepts” that include advanced program, and electric motors and power electronics devel- air mobility, agile logistics, and collaboration with uncrewed oped by Sikorsky. aerial systems (UAS), as well as incorporating safetyenhancing automation and flight controls for crewed and Paul Lemmo, Sikorsky’s president, said the design will reduce emissions, optimize engine performance, provide a uncrewed applications. quieter flight experience, improve safety of flight, and save Sikorsky is currently testing a 600-kilowatt motor being continues on page 21 on production and operating costs while contributing to
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