Sikorsky X2: What's in a N (ame)

I like trying to figure out what a manufacturer might be up to based on subtle and not-so-subtle clues. In the case of Sikorsky's very fast X2, which hit its programme target speed of 250kt earlier this week and will go faster soon, I thought I had deducted the perfect reason for a N-number change a few months ago.

In May of this year, N41AX morphed into N525SA. Why I wondered? Hmmm. Must have something to do with speed. Let's see, if 525 were a speed, it would likely be km per hour which converts to 284kt. Bingo! Well, sort of..,.

Sikorsky X2 chief engineer Steve Weiner told me that the X2 will likely go faster than 165kt in the coming months as the company puts the finishing touches on rotor fairing (here's an associated Flight International story), but almost another 20kt faster?

Wow. I was on to something BIG. 

Next I asked Sikorsky media relations exec Marianne Heffernan what the N525SA stands for, expecting that she'd deflect the question and quickly discuss the weather or the Washington Redskins woes. She'd know I was on to their secret plan.

Alas, no. 

Marianne says Sikorsky changed the registration to N525SA (Sikorsky Aircraft) in May for a very honourable reason - to mark the 25 May birthday of its founder, Igor Sikorsky.

I'm not giving up yet though as there may be a double entendre at play. What better way to honour Mr. S than to hit 525 km/h with a new aircraft with top speed written on the side?