HRS-2

The Sikorsky HRS‑2 is a twin‑engine, medium‑lift helicopter that entered development in the early 1990s as a direct descendant of the company's successful H‑60 series. Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation launched the program in 1992 to meet the growing demand for a versatile platform that could serve both military and civilian roles, and the first prototype flew on 14 March 1996. Powered by two advanced FADEC‑controlled turboshaft engines delivering 2,800 shaft‑horsepower each, the HRS‑2 combines a composite airframe with a five‑blade fully articulated main rotor, giving it a maximum cruise speed of 170 knots and a service ceiling of 20,000 feet. Its cabin can be configured for up to 15 passengers, medevac stretchers, or external cargo sling loads of up to 9,000 pounds. Innovative avionics—including a glass cockpit, fly‑by‑wire flight controls, and integrated health‑monitoring systems—enhance safety and reduce crew workload. The HRS‑2 has been adopted by several armed forces and humanitarian operators worldwide, where its reliability, payload capacity, and operating‑cost efficiency have made it a benchmark in modern rotorcraft design, influencing subsequent Sikorsky models and the broader industry’s shift toward composite structures. The aircraft continues in production, with ongoing upgrades to its avionics suite and powertrain.