Sikorsky and Boeing are continuing to flight test the SB>1 Defiant compound helicopter, selected for further testing under the Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program.
Sikorsky is partnered with Boeing on the SB>1 Defiant program in order to meet the demands of the Army’s future vertical lift mission. Defiant is highly maneuverable and will extend the warfighter’s capabilities on the modern battlefield – and fits in the same footprint as a Black Hawk.
Defiant builds on Sikorsky’s foundational X2 Technology which integrates coaxial rotors, fly-by-wire flight controls and a propulsion system to redefine the attributes and abilities of a typical helicopter. Counter-rotating main rotors give extra lift, stability and smoothness. This gives the SB-1 speed, climb, and VTOL advantages over normal helicopters.
Sikorsky-Boeing team also released a new short video showing that its FVL aircraft can maneuver and fly fast at low altitudes, critical for the Army’s mission success.
“Testing continues for the SB>1 Defiant, expanding the flight envelope and demonstrating low altitude maneuverability,” said in a statement on an official Twitter account. “These capabilities are crucial for the U.S. Army’s future long-range assault mission.”
Defiant recently flew in a demonstration for Senator Tammy Duckworth and Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy. During that flight Defiant hit 140 knots and 45-degree angle-of-bank turns. The aircraft will continue to expand the envelope in flight test throughout the rest of the year.
The #SB1Defiant team has been pushing the flight envelope during recent testing. We’re demonstrating this #FVL aircraft can maneuver and fly fast at low altitudes, critical for the @USArmy’s mission success.
🎥: @Sikorsky pic.twitter.com/PmyqJs4yTB
— Boeing Defense (@BoeingDefense) May 12, 2020
