9-May-2011 Source: Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, is proud to be a member of the team that was recently awarded the prestigious 2010 Robert J. Collier Trophy.
The Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Company (LHTEC) CTS800-powered Sikorsky X2 Technologyâ„¢ demonstrator won the award given annually to recognize the greatest achievements in aeronautics or astronautics in America. LHTEC is a 50:50 partnership between Rolls-Royce and Honeywell.
The 2010 award is the 100th Collier Trophy to be awarded since its inception and the eighth for Rolls-Royce. The Rolls-Royce portion of the engine was designed and built in Indianapolis.
The Collier Trophy was presented at the Annual Collier Dinner on 5 May, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Va. The award recognizes achievements that improve the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles.
During a test flight in September, the CTS800-powered X2 demonstrator, developed by Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., set an unofficial world speed record for a conventional helicopter, achieving 250 knots in level flight and 260 knots in a very shallow dive. A single CTS800 turboshaft engine powers a counter-rotating coaxial rotor and pusher propeller. The aircraft retains excellent low-speed handling, efficient hovering, and a seamless transition to high speed.
Daryl Mastin, Rolls-Royce, CTS800 Program Director said, “LHTEC is proud to have made a significant contribution to the X2 program in developing this revolutionary technology. We are pleased that Sikorsky and the X2 team have been recognized for their efforts.â€
Rolls-Royce Collier Trophy wins
1987 – NASA Lewis Research Center and the NASA/Industry Advanced Turboprop Team advanced turboprop propulsion concepts
1990 – The Bell Boeing Team V-22 Osprey Tilt-rotor aircraft
1996 – Cessna Aircraft and the Citation X Design Team first commercial aircraft to achieve a Mach .92 cruise speed
1997- Gulfstream V Industry Team (the world’s first ultra-long range business jet)
2000 – The Global Hawk, unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft
2001 – Integrated LiftFan Propulsion System for the Joint Strike Fighter
2003 -Â Gulfstream G550, for achievement in designing, testing, and building an innovative aircraft while incorporating measurable safety enhancements and far-reaching advances in aerospace technology.
2010 – The Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. Sikorsky X2 Technologyâ„¢ Demonstrator Team