Sikorsky conducts test of rotor blown wing uncrewed aerial system in helicopter and airplane modes

News, US March 16, 2025 , by IRIA No Comments

3 minute read

U.S. leading defense manufacturer Lockheed Martin’s subsidiary company Sikorsky conducted a successful test of ‘rotor blown wing’ uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in both helicopter and airplane modes, validating the advanced control laws.

During the test, Sikorsky used a battery-powered prototype, weighing 115 pounds (52 kg) and equipped with twin prop-rotors, successfully demonstrating stability and maneuverability across all flight phases. The flight tests in late 2024 and early 2025 have proven the control laws and aerodynamic performance of a twin proprotor ‘rotor blown wing’ configuration.

The innovative vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) design also holds promise for scalability, with larger models potentially incorporating hybrid-electric propulsion. The VTOL UAS sits on its tail to take off and land like a helicopter, and transitions to horizontal forward flight for long-endurance missions.

“The term ‘rotor blown wing’ refers to the constant airflow from the proprotor wash across the wing. Sikorsky chose the design to reduce drag on the wing in hover mode and when transitioning to forward flight, and to increase cruise efficiencies and endurance,” the Sikorsky statement highlighted.

Vice President and General Manager at Sikorsky, Rich Benton said, “Combining helicopter and airplane flight characteristics onto a flying wing reflects Sikorsky’s drive to innovate next-generation VTOL UAS aircraft that can fly faster and farther than traditional helicopters.”

He further highlighted that “Our rotor blown wing platform is a prime example how we are leveraging the breadth of our 102-year aviation heritage to develop new designs that meet the emerging missions of commercial and military operators.”

Sikorsky Rotor Blown Wing UAS in Helicopter and Airplane Modes — *^{Sikorsky proves a rotor blown wing tail sitter drone can transition easily between helicopter and fixed wing flight modes. (Image Credit: Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin)}*

Sikorsky Innovations, the company’s rapid prototyping division, is leading the development and refinement of the rotor blown wing concept. Within just over a year, the team has advanced from initial design and simulations to both tethered and untethered flight testing, gathering critical data on aerodynamics, flight control, and overall performance.

A major breakthrough occurred in January 2025 when the 10.3-foot composite wingspan aircraft successfully completed more than 40 takeoffs and landings. It executed 30 seamless transitions between helicopter and airplane flight modes—one of the most complex maneuvers in its design.

In fixed-wing mode, the aircraft reached a maximum cruise speed of 86 knots. Concurrently, full-scale wind tunnel tests validated newly developed control laws by aligning real-world flight data with simulation results.

Sikorsky Innovations Director Igor Cherepinsky said, “Our rotor blown wing has demonstrated the control power and unique handling qualities necessary to transition repeatedly and predictably from a hover to high-speed wing-borne cruise flight, and back again.”

“New control laws were required for this transition maneuver to work seamlessly and efficiently. The data indicates we can operate from pitching ships decks and unprepared ground when scaled to much larger sizes,” Cherepinsky added.

According to the Sikorsky statement, future applications for rotor blown wing UAS include search and rescue, firefighting monitoring, humanitarian response, pipeline surveillance, and infrastructure inspections. Large variants will enable long range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance as well as piloted drone teaming (crewed/uncrewed teaming) missions.

Sikorsky rotor blown wing VTOL UAS — *^{Sikorsky is flight testing a rotor blown wing tail sitter vertical takeoff and landing uncrewed aerial system. (Image Credit: Lockheed Martin)}*

All rotor blown wing variants will be equipped with Sikorsky’s MATRIX flight autonomy system, ensuring advanced navigation and autonomous operation. The rotor blown wing design is one of a future family of systems in development by Sikorsky. The family will include winged VTOL UAS and single main rotor aircraft.