Sikorsky S-69
Sikorsky · United States · first flew 1973 · helicopter
The Sikorsky S-69, designated XH-59, is an American experimental compound helicopter.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12.42 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Two coaxial rotors one above the other
- Two auxiliary turbojets for forward thrust
- Compound helicopter design
It has two rotors of 36 ft diameter in coaxial arrangement and, in the XH-59A form, two turbojets.
Specifications
- The Sikorsky S-69 has a length of 12.42 m (41 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.97 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 487 km/h (303 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Sikorsky developed it as the demonstrator of the co-axial Advancing Blade Concept, with United States Army and NASA funding. It first flew on 26 July 1973.
Variants
The XH-59A version added two Pratt & Whitney J60 turbojets to the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T Twin Pac turboshaft.
Where you'll see it
Two were built. It was used by NASA and the US Army and was retired in 1981.
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