Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced the start of final assembly of the second S-97 Raider helicopter at the company’s Development Flight Center.

Along with a team of industry suppliers, Sikorsky is developing two Raider prototypes to demonstrate the revolutionary new capabilities in improved maneuverability and flight speed. The Raider is a rigid coaxial rotor prototype aircraft ideally suited for armed reconnaissance and a spectrum of special operations missions.

“Our teammates on the Raider programme have been answering our challenge to deliver a military helicopter with capabilities never seen before,” said Mark Hammond, S-97 Raider Program Manager. “As a team, we’ve already demonstrated the power of working together to develop a high-performance and affordable nextgeneration aircraft. Starting assembly of the second prototype is a great milestone for the programme.”