When Sikorsky, a century-old company, announced its plans to enter the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry, it raised questions about the nature of its new design. Is the Sikorsky HEX/VTOL revolutionary or evolutionary? Let’s explore the features and capabilities of this innovative aircraft to determine whether it represents a bold leap forward or a natural progression in aircraft design.
Sikorsky VTOL HEX – an AAM Disruptor?
Sikorsky, the Lockheed Martin helicopter arm, has unveiled its next generation of advanced aircraft named the “HEX/VTOL“. This tilt-wing configuration differs from other tilt-wing and tilt-rotor designs using a hybrid-electric propulsion system and other autonomy features. According to the company, this aircraft represents the first step towards large, next-generation VTOL aircraft, including helicopter configurations that leverage electrification and autonomous systems.
Sikorsky Hybrid VTOL HEX Design and Features
In collaboration with GE Aerospace, the Sikorsky Innovations group is developing a 600 kW electric motor-powered aircraft. The HEX/VTOL has a maximum gross weight of 9,000 pounds and uses two 600 kW engines, along with a 1.2 MW turbogenerator. Sikorsky is responsible for designing the electric motors, power electronics, vehicle management hardware, and actuation. The HEX/VTOL integrates these components and showcases the maturity of the company’s MATRIX™ autonomy suite and the potential for maintenance-free systems.
Revolutionary or Evolutionary?
While the HEX/VTOL boasts impressive goals, it begs the question: Is it a revolutionary design or an evolution of modern aircraft design? If the Boeing V22 “Osprey” has dabbled with tilt-wings with more or less success, the Leonardo Next-Generation Civil Tiltrotor (NGCTR) has also sunk its teeth into a commercial tilt-rotor aircraft configuration.
Electric Propulsion Innovations Powers Advanced Air Mobility
When it comes to advanced air mobility (AAM) especially, our Swiss friends Dufour Aerospace have shown that their electric tilt-wing eVTOL and drone, respectively, the Aero 3 passenger eVTOL and Aero 2 drone are innovating with their fully-electric drivetrain. The company has already flown both and demonstrated full transition and full flight envelope of tilt-wing aircraft. Dufour Aerospace also points out how electric propulsion’s many benefits include using electric motors with their high energy efficiency of 90% compared to 40% for combustion motors, as well as lower maintenance schedule with fewer parts than conventional motors with little to no transmission inefficiencies. The company is also looking into hybrid solutions for longer range and heavier payloads until battery energy density matches that of what a hybrid propulsion system offers.
Dufour Aerospace concludes by saying that using electric motors is 2.25 times more energy efficient than a combustion engine and at least half the maintenance cost. This explains why the electric air mobility world vaunts such high reliability and safety.
From Aviation Innovations to Mobility Revolutions
As the AAM industry continues to grow, it is encouraging to see renowned aerospace leaders like Sikorsky venture into the future of flight. However, we should recall that this is not the first time an OEM has stepped into a new industry. Back in 2009, automotive OEMs derided the concepts of electric vehicles (EV), three to four years the same OEMs were proudly announcing EVs, hybrid cars, and plug-in-hybrids, albeit not as bold as what then Tesla was offering, nonetheless signaling the maturation of the new EV industry. The same is happening today in AAM, a sure sign the industry has matured on to phase 2, phase three being live tests and four the start of commercial service. m Only time will tell if the HEX/VTOL will transition from a military and commercial helicopter application to commercial aviation operations.
Overall, Sikorsky plans on growing a future fleet of advanced air mobility aircraft with its HEX/VTOL. This new adventure represents a significant milestone in the advancement of aircraft design. Its cutting-edge technology and innovative features position it as a strong contender in the burgeoning AAM market. Whether it’s deemed revolutionary or evolutionary, the HEX/VTOL marks a crucial step towards a more sustainable and efficient future for the aviation industry.