Sikorsky Aircraft Corp’s X2 Technology demonstrator has flown for the last time, the company announced recently.

The demonstration flight conducted from the company’s new Sikorsky Innovations Center within its Development Flight Center, demonstrator gave guests one last look at its technology in flight before officially being retired and transitioning to its first application, the S-97 Raider.

It was the 23rd test flight of the award-winning X2 aircraft, which flew approximately 22 total hours and achieved a maximum cruise speed of 253 knots in level flight at its peak point in the programme. That milestone, an unofficial speed record for a conventional helicopter, was achieved on September 15, 2010.

“This flight is the culmination of a five-year, internally funded programme to expand the operational envelope of helicopters,” said Sikorsky President Jeffrey Pino. “The results of this programme speak of the success of a rapid prototyping environment, where a small empowered team was able to meet a specific number of very challenging goals. We met these within a small budget and a compressed schedule.

“The X2 programme also has helped to develop the next generation of Sikorsky engineers, including some who are now in key positions on the S-97 Raider programme and the Fireflyelectric helicopter programme. The entire Sikorsky workforce stands proud of this accomplishment and what it means for the future of rotorcraft aviation,” Pino said.

The programme began in 2005 when Sikorsky first committed resources and full funding of $50 million, for the programme’s development. Earlier this year, the demonstrator team won the 2010 Robert J. Collier Trophy.