Heli-Expo ShowNews - February 24-26, 2008 - (Page 7)

With Sikorsky’s Visionary X2 Demonstrator Commercial Versions are On the Way “By this time next year we will be telling you about the commercial version of the X2,” Marc Poland, Sikorsky’s svp for commercial programs said at Heli-Expo. “Right now we are looking for the sweet spot for the fuselage size.” Sikorsky is convinced that it has a game-changer in the X2, which will become the fastest helicopter in the world as it proves that rotorcraft can break through the current 150 kts cruise limitation imposed by today’s rotor systems. The X2 aims to show that 250 kts is feasible. “It might even go to 260 kts,” said Sikorsky president Jeff Pino. The technology is scalable, so Sikorsky believes it can turn the X2 into a tiltrotor killer, matching the speed of the BA609 with far less complexity. Speed is the key to productivity for helicopter operators, so an X2-based transport could achieve far better economics than today’s helicopters. “This isn’t an airplane that we must train to hover. It is a helicopter that will go very, very Marc Poland. fast,”said Pino. But first the X2 must prove itself and its technology. The prototype seen at HeliExpo will fly soon, “but not before it is ready,” Pino added. Bell 429 Comes in From the Cold The Bell 429 light twin helicopter made its world debut here at Heli-Expo, having been seen before only in mockup form. The aircraft on display is one of three prototypes that have racked up around 600 flight test hours toward certification and initial deliveries later this year. The light twin is the only helicopter in its class to boast a medium-helicopter sized cabin, says Bell, which claims to hold more than 260 letters of intent for the aircraft from 30 countries. The aircraft on show has recently been undergoing cold weather trials in Canada. Versace Adds Italian Style to AW139 Versace, a leading Italian style house, is extending its entry into luxury aviation with new designs for cabin interiors for AgustaWestland’s AW139 medium twin helicopter. The very latest was unveiled here at Heli-Expo, featuring a plush five seat leather upholstered cabin in Versace’s signature black and white. The mockup was shown in the “Versace gallery” on the AgustaWestland exhibit, where, not surprisingly, the helicopter’s interior is accented by Versace luxury home furniture in the surrounding area. “This exclusive solution,” says AgustaWestland, “offers the ultimate in terms of luxury and comfort.” More than 40 AW139s have been sold for VIP/corporate use. www.aviationweek.com/shownews February 26, 2008 7 http://www.aviationweek.com/shownews

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Heli-Expo ShowNews - February 24-26, 2008

Helicopter Speed Record Heli Express Renews Orders Flow at Heli-Expo MD’s Tilton Wants VLJ Flying in Style P&WC’s new by-the-hour Eurocopter Dominates Booming Outlook

Heli-Expo ShowNews - February 24-26, 2008

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