 | This article needs to be updated. (May 2024) |
| Firefly | |
|---|---|
| |
| Sikorsky Firefly | |
| Role | Light Experimental electric helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Sikorsky Aircraft |
| Developed from | Sikorsky S-300 |
The Sikorsky Firefly is an all-electric helicopter built for research purposes by Sikorsky Aircraft. It has been called the world's "first all-electric helicopter".[1] The Firefly is a modified Sikorsky S-300C helicopter with its engine replaced by an electric motor and two lithium-ion battery packs. The helicopter can hold only the pilot, no passengers, and operate for 12 to 15 minutes. It has a top speed of 80 kn (150 km/h; 92 mph).
Sikorsky announced the aircraft at the Farnborough International Air Show in the United Kingdom on July 19, 2010 and displayed it for the first time at the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture 2010 convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on July 26. It was expected that the helicopter would make its first flight in late 2010 or in early 2011.[1] The project was inspired by observing electric drag cars.[2]
- ^ a b Burgeson, John, "Sikorsky to debut first all-electric helicopter" Archived 2020-10-20 at the Wayback Machine, Connecticut Post of Bridgeport, Connecticut, July 25, 2010
- ^ Dickinson, Boonsri, " An All-Electric Helicopter: How Far Will It Fly? Is Project Firefly at Silkorsky Innovations the start of silent flight?", Greentech Media, August 20, 2010, retrieved May 1, 2018