The Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation started bladed ground testing of their S-97 RAIDER program. The RAIDER is a new military helicopter, designed to outmatch conventional military helicopters. The manoeuvrability, speeds, range and payload are to surpass those of the conventional helicopters. The program was created in 2010 in October to create a helicopter that will meet reconnaissance and special ops needs for the U.S Army and develop the X2 rotorcraft design.

The testing, reports Military Hit, signifies a great development in the project and allows growth towards first flight. The testing consists of ground tests, verifying the operation of the propulsion system, rotor control system, drive train and the pilot-vehicle interface.