OSHKOSH, Wisconsin -- Here's a peek at Sikorsky Aircraft's electric helicopter project, the Firefly.
Critics didn't like the electro-chopper's looks when Sikorsky announced the Firefly last week. It's no Airwolf, but it's based on a tried-and-true design that allows Sikorsky to focus on developing the electric-propulsion system. Sikorsky says it's committed to exploring the technology for use in trainers and perhaps other craft.
We got a look at the Firefly here at the big AirVenture aviation show and managed to squeeze a few details out of Sikorsky before its official announcement later this week.
Despite the experimental propulsion system, the Firefly is definitely old-school. It's built on a Hughes 269 airframe first sold in 1961. The model evolved into the Schweitzer 300 and now the Sikorsky S-300 as its parent companies changed.
The 190-horsepower electric motor will draw power from three lithium-ion packs joined in parallel for a total of 135 amp-hours. Helicopters have never been known for their efficiency, and it looks like the Firefly is no exception. Sikorsky expects just 15 minutes of flight time from the craft, which at this point is merely a technology demonstrator.
Clearly there's still a lot of work to be done on the range.
Photos: Jason Paur/Wired.com
