The Americans will continue testing "High-Speed hawk"

Piasecki Aircraft Company has received funds to develop and the second phase of flight tests of experimental aircraft X-49A SpeedHawk. As reported by Aviation Week, for the moment the U.S. Congress and the Pentagon agreed to finance the program at least 7.8 million dollars.

It should be noted that after the first phase of flight tests beyond X-49A SpeedHawk remained unclear. Moreover, also provided funding does not solve all problems, since, according to representatives of Piasecki Aircraft, is not sufficient to implement the program in full and should be increased. At the same time, the positive signals from the U.S. Department of Defense.

The first phase of flight tests of X-49A SpeedHawk began in June last year. Its purpose was to assess design solutions, which were to allow the helicopter pilot to exceed speed basic version of SH-60F Seahawk.

In the course of the test X-49A SpeedHawk demonstrated the speed increase by 47 per cent, with similar to the SH-60F power rates, as well as half the level of vibration. Specifications helicopter was enhanced through the use of the mounted in the tail pipe pushing the screw with controlled thrust vector VTDP (Vectored Thrust Ducted Propeller), and wings, which have increased lifting force and lessen the burden on the rotor.

The immediate plans of developers provides for the installation of X-49A SpeedHawk third engine, and retractable landing gear and fairing on the sleeve main rotor to reduce vibration.

It is envisaged that cruising speed serial helicopters to exceed 383 kilometers per hour and a maximum - 415 kilometers per hour, while the SH-60F respective figures are 241 and 256 kilometers per hour. Empty weight will increase by more than 700 kilograms, mainly in connection with the installation of a third engine. In doing so, a helicopter carrying capacity will increase by about 230 kilograms, and military increase the radius of nearly threefold.