AFS, Eaton part of S-97 team

Sikorsky Aircraft has put its superfast X2 experimental-technology helicopter into a more mature package, called the S-97 Raider. It was unveiled Oct. 2. The firm hopes to find favor with the Army, seeking to replace its OH-58D Kiowa Warrior airframe. The S-97 is faster than conventional helos with a cruising speed of up to 253 mph. Kiowas had a cruising speed of 120 mph. S-97 also has a streamlined fuselage and striking reconfiguration with two stacked main rotors and a pusher propeller at the tail. The main rotors are coaxial and rotate in opposite directions driving both lift and forward flight. (Source: CNET website 10/03/14) Central Mississippi Note: Aurora Flight Sciences will design, manufacture and assemble the S-97 airframe at its Columbus, Miss., facility. Sikorsky also selected the Eaton Corporation to provide fuel lines, pumps and hydraulic system components; hardware and associated engineering support. Eaton also manufactures a broad range of components for Sikorsky helicopters. Eaton’s aerospace facility in Jackson, Miss., is home to one of the most advanced aircraft hydraulic test labs in the world.