Sikorsky Debuts Drone That Can Fly Like a Helicopter, Airplane

Sikorsky has successfully flight-tested its “rotor blown wing” unmanned aerial system (UAS) with rotorcraft and fixed-wing platform characteristics.

The prototype is a twin prop-rotor and battery-powered drone weighing 115 pounds (52 kilograms) with a wingspan measuring 10 feet (3 meters) made from composite materials.

“Combining helicopter and airplane flight characteristics onto a flying wing reflects Sikorsky’s drive to innovate next-generation VTOL (/vertical take-off and landing) UAS aircraft that can fly faster and farther than traditional helicopters,” said company VP and General Manager Rich Benton.

Read the full story on our new publication, NextGen Defense: Sikorsky Debuts Drone That Can Fly Like Helicopter, Airplane