Sikorsky and Boeing have released details of its advanced helicopter for the U.S. Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft competition, known as FLRAA. The aircraft, named Defiant X, will be the fastest, most manoeuvrable and most survivable assault helicopter in history. Combined with the team's unsurpassed experience in mission systems, training and sustainment, it will revolutionize the way the Army meets threats in 2035 and beyond.
Defiant X is a complete weapon system that builds on the handling qualities and transformational capabilities proven by the team's technology demonstrator. With unmatched range and survivability, Defiant X will change the way the Army fights, enabling crews to fly low and fast through complex terrain, land quickly, deliver Soldiers and equipment to the objective area and get out.
Defiant X flies twice as far and fast as the venerable Black Hawk helicopter it is designed to replace. Currently undergoing testing in a digital combat environment, the aircraft continues to prove itself the most survivable platform for mission requirements.
"We are ready to deliver unparalleled capabilities backed by proven technologies that will truly transform the Army's mission today, with room to grow and adapt to the missions of tomorrow," said Andy Adams, Sikorsky vice president of Future Vertical Lift. "Defiant X not only includes the transformational aircraft – a manoeuvrable, survivable, lethal weapon system – it also leverage’s Sikorsky's and Boeing's advanced manufacturing capabilities."
With its rigid coaxial rotor system and pusher propeller, Defiant X incorporates Sikorsky X2 Technology™ to operate at high speeds while maintaining low-speed handling qualities. This critical capability provides Soldiers with increased manoeuvrability and survivability in high-threat air defence environments, allowing them to penetrate enemy defences while reducing exposure to enemy fire. Compared to SB>1 Defiant, the Defiant X airframe has enhancements to improve aerodynamics and reduce the thermal signature.
"Defiant X is purpose-built for a modernized Army that requires expanded reach, survivability and lethality," said Steve Parker, vice president and general manager of Boeing Vertical Lift. "This weapon system will give Soldiers unequalled technological advantage and connectivity over adversaries in a multi-domain battlespace."
Defiant X will revolutionize the Army's air assault capability with limited changes in tactics, techniques, procedures, training and infrastructure while maintaining the Black Hawk helicopter footprint and tight formation capability flown today.
The Army is expected to release a request for proposal on FLRAA later this year, with a contract award expected in 2022.
Together, Sikorsky and Boeing have built 90 per cent of the U.S. Army's current military rotor-craft and have totalled more than 15 million flight hours. We're the team that has brought forward iconic military rotor-craft including Black Hawk, Chinook and Apache. The iconic UH-60 Black Hawk has proven itself to be the premier assault platform in the world and Defiant X will bring the next level of capability that the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft requires.
Sikorsky-Boeing Team Reveals Advanced Assault Helicopter Designed to Revolutionize U.S. Army Capabilities, Defiant X to compete for the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft contract, a top modernization priority for the Army
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