Sikorsky X-2 - future of helicopters?

[WhizzbangDai]

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/gene...t Of Sikorsky X2 Demonstrator&channel=defense

seems like a cheaper alternative to the V-22...

 

[4to8]

gearboxes?

 

[Waspie]

The Ruskies have been playing around with the contra rotating rotor concept for yonks. Hormones of the 70's & 80's and it's replacement the Helix.

This looks like a cross between the Osprey and the Soviet KA helicopters.

 

[Cpt_Black]

Possible stupid question, but how does it rotate in hover? The only way I can think of is one of the rotors slows down.

 

[Waspie]

Possible stupid question, but how does it rotate in hover? The only way I can think of is one of the rotors slows down.

I would assume the speed or drag of one set of rotors, (upper or lower), would be altered to affect the torque thereby inducing a rotational force.

However only a guess, maybe a techie will come along shortly and give us the actual method.