Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky has unveiled its plans to develop a pioneering family of large, next-generation Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. The program spearheads with the Hybrid-Electric eXperimental (HEX) demonstrator, a tilt-wing aircraft utilizing a hybrid-electric propulsion system.
Sikorsky’s HEX effort envisions a future fleet encompassing diverse large VTOLs, ranging from traditional helicopters to winged configurations. These aircraft will leverage varying degrees of electric power and integrate advanced autonomous systems, enabling optional piloted flight.
The HEX program prioritizes three core objectives:
- Extended Range: The HEX demonstrator aims to achieve a range exceeding 500 nautical miles at high speeds, facilitating long-distance VTOL mission capabilities.
- Simplified Design: By minimizing mechanical systems, the HEX strives for enhanced reliability and maintainability, thereby reducing operational costs.
- Electric Efficiency: The hybrid-electric powertrain promises superior efficiency and reduced emissions compared to conventional VTOL aircraft.
Sikorsky Innovations, the company’s internal prototyping arm, is collaborating with GE Aerospace on a critical element of the HEX. They are finalizing the design of a 600 kW electric motor testbed that will pave the way for the actual HEX demonstrator. This testbed will be employed to assess the hovering performance of the larger aircraft, which will boast a maximum gross weight of 9,000 pounds and be powered by a 1.2 MW-class turbogenerator and associated power electronics.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began his career at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet became central to defense research, he helped design the company’s Forecast Intelligence Center and now coordinates the FI Market Recap newsletters for clients. He also manages two blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, which covers defense systems and international security issues, and Flight Plan, focused on commercial aviation and space systems.
For more than 30 years, Richard has authored Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International), providing detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database tracking all companies involved in programs covered by the FI library. Richard currently serves as Manager of the Information Services Group (ISG), which develops outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
