FlightGlobal reports that the Sikorsky-Boeing SB-1 Defiant rotorcraft “demonstrated the ability to lift a 2,400kg (5,300lb) sling load in a recent test flight.” The co-axial helicopter “with a pusher propeller is still undergoing flight tests as the US Army reportedly recently sent out request for proposals for its Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) to the Sikorsky-Boeing team and Bell.” The demonstration “also showed the SB-1’s ability to carry troops at the same time as hauling a heavy sling load, the joint development team says.”
Full Story (FlightGlobal)
Tag: SB-1 Defiant
Sikorsky Boeing SB-1 Defiant Reaches Speed of 211 Kt
FlightGlobal reports that the Sikorsky Boeing SB-1 Defiant compound helicopter “reached 211kt (391km/h) using about two-thirds propeller torque and engine power during a straight and level flight” Monday. Sikorsky and The Boeing Company said Wednesday during a webinar that the rotorcraft also reached 232kt while descending. Previously, “the fastest the helicopter was reported to have flown was 205kt, during a flight test in June.” The Sikorsky-Boeing team “has said it is pushing for the rotorcraft to surpass 250kt.” The Defiant is Sikorsky and Boeing’s proposed helicopter for the US Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), which seeks to replace the Army’s Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk fleet.
Full Story (FlightGlobal)
Sikorsky, Boeing Select Honeywell’s HTS7500 Turboshaft Engine to Power DEFIANT X Helicopter
Inside Defense reports that Sikorsky and The Boeing Company announced Thursday that they have chosen “Honeywell’s HTS7500 turboshaft engine to power their DEFIANT X helicopter, one of two contenders for the Army’s Future Long Range-Assault Aircraft.” In a statement, Ricky Freeman, President of Defense & Space at Honeywell Aerospace, said, “We’re confident our HTS7500 engine on the DEFIANT X platform will provide the Army with an agile, fast and maneuverable platform that will help ensure overmatch capability in the future battlespace.”
Full Story (Inside Defense)
SB-1 Defiant Completes Mission Profile Tests
Aviation Week reports that Lockheed Martin “says it has completed a series of mission profile tests of the Sikorsky-Boeing SB-1 Defiant rotorcraft demonstrator as the U.S. Army continues evaluating competing bids for the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) contract.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)