US helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin Group) has unveiled a prototype reconnaissance helicopter called the Raider X. It is a next-generation aircraft that will participate in the US Army's Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft program selection. The test model was unveiled this week at the "Meeting & Exposition" organized in Washington by the Association of the United States Army.

"Raider X is a complete weapon system. It provides significant range and effectiveness, far more than exists in fleets in service today. The helicopter will be networked as a key part of the combined force, enabling the ground commander to see and shape the battlefield", said Jay Macklin, director of Sikorsky's Future Vertical Lift Business Development. 

The aircraft will compete with the Bell 360 Invictus helicopter for the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (Fara) program. It's an initiative by which the U.S. military is seeking a worthy replacement for the Bell OH-58 "Kiowa Warrior" rotary-wing vehicle, which is currently in service but whose retirement was decided in 2017. The Raider X will be powered by a General Electric T901 powerplant (rated at 2,200 kW) and features a twin main rotor.