FARN10: Sikorsky to fly all-electric helicopter

Sikorsky today revealed officially it has developed an all-electric 200hp (150kW) helicopter, the Firefly, that will be unveiled later this month and fly for the first time later this year.

We knew it existed, but we didn't know how far they'd progressed! Below is an artist's conception of the vehicle provided by Sikorsky.

Based on the S-300C piston-powered helicopter, the electric version will feature a high-efficiency, electric motor and digital controller from power conversion specialists, US Hybrid, coupled with a lithium ion energy storage system from Gaia Power Technologies. Eagle Aviation Technologies completed the airframe modifications and assembled the demonstrator helicopter. In the cockpit, Sikorsky says integrated sensors will provide real-time aircraft health information through a panel integrated interactive LCD monitor.

Sikorsky says the demonstrator will be unveiled 26 July at the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture exhibition in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, as part of the world symposium on electric aircraft.

Eurocopter and its parent company EADS is working on similar equipment, but powered by a hybrid-electric engine.

BTW, if you're thinking of copying the picture, please note the copyright persmission that Sikorsky sent along with it...

 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) hereby grants to the recipient of this email and the recipient's employer, a royalty-free, perpetual, revocable, and worldwide license to use, reproduce, distribute, and communicate to the public, the photograph(s) attached hereto as a component of the publication identified above, and in connection with the production, advertising, sale, and other exploitation of the publication, provided that such license is exercised in a manner that is not derogatory to Sikorsky or its products.  Sikorsky provides the foregoing license solely to the extent of any rights Sikorsky or may have in the photograph(s).  Sikorsky disclaims all representations or warranties relating to the photograph(s) whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise and shall have no responsibility for any use of the photograph(s).  All rights not expressly granted by Sikorsky herein are reserved.  The photograph(s) shall be presented with the following legend appurtenant thereto:  "Copyright Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. All rights reserved."