Sikorsky’s X2 Demonstrator First Flight

Steve Weiner joined Sikorsky in 1978 as a Flight Test engineer on the S-76 certification program. After joining Sikorsky’s Aerodynamics group in 1980, he was responsible for the aerodynamic performance of the S-75 ACAP. In 1981 he was assigned to the New Product Development group as the resident aerodynamics engineer, where he was part of the team that developed the LHX. Weiner was the System Engineer for the S-76 Fantail Demonstrator development team, which was instrumental in helping Sikorsky win the RAH-66 program. Weiner supported the RAH-66 Comanche program for 19 years, initially as Aerodynamicist and later as Technology Manager. In 2001, he was asked to form the Chief System Engineer’s group.

In 2003, Weiner helped form and lead the New Concepts group in the development of the X2 Technology Demonstrator and related concepts. Weiner has been a primary proponent of X2 Technology as a key to expanding Sikorsky’s technological leadership in the rotorcraft industry and as a means to develop new engineering talent. He has been the technical lead of the program since its inception. In 2005, Weiner was also appointed Director of Engineering Sciences, with responsibility for the primary aeromechanics, mass properties and observables attributes of Sikorsky’s current and future products.

James Kagdis Program Manager,Advanced Programs Technology & Innovations Research and Engineering

Kagdis is responsible for leading Sikorsky Aircraft’s CR&D and IR&D activities. Included in this broad portfolio is the X2 TECHNOLOGY Demonstrator program. Program highlights include designing, developing, manufacturing and flight testing a counter-rotating, co-axial main rotor helicopter. This technology offers the promises of 250kts cruise speed while maintaining helicopter like maneuverability, agility and hover characteristics at low speed.

Joining Sikorsky Aircraft in 1981 in Stratford, CT, Kagdis initially was assigned to the Research and Engineering division. In 1984, he became the Business Development Representative for the Sikorsky Aircraft Light Helicopter Experimental (LHX, now the Army’s RAH-66 Comanche) Program. He held various assignments on the Comanche program, including serving as the Director of the Joint Boeing Sikorsky business development effort in the Joint Program Office and the Washington, D.C. Liaison Office. He has also served as the Director, U.S. Navy and Coast Guard Government Business Development, Sikorsky Aircraft, where he was responsible for current business perpetuation and future requirements development. Prior to his current assignment, Kagdis was responsible for Advanced Program Government Business Development.

Stephen J. Chisarik Program Manager- X2 TECHNOLOGY Demonstrator Chief Engineer- Military Derivatives Completion Center (MDCC)

Steve Chisarik joined Sikorsky in 1987 as a college co-op in the Avionics System Center (ASC) as an electrical assembler. Chisarik held various positions during his 11-years as an hourly employee, having participated in two Sikorsky- sponsored rotation programs, the Machine Technician Apprenticeship and the Helicopter Mechanics School. In 1998, Chisarik joined the Manufacturing Engineering organization supporting Naval Hawk and BLACK HAWK Final Assembly. Since that time, Chisarik has held positions of increasing responsibility within the Engineering organization, most recently as the Program Lead Engineer for US Air Force and Israeli Air Force (H60/H53) Programs.

In 2006, Chisarik was selected to lead the X2 TECHNOLOGY Demonstrator development program team in the completion of the airframe and system design, fabrication and assembly leading to successful ground testing and flight test of the aircraft. Chisarik provided the onsite “hands on” leadership at the Schweizer facility to prioritize the manufacturing, engineering and procurement activities.

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