28-Jul-2021 Source: Sikorsky
The lifting power demonstrated by SB>1 DEFIANT in this test equates to an Infantry Squad Vehicle, hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition, more than 600 gallons of water, or ~240 cases of MREs – resupply vital to Soldier survival in a contested environment.
SB>1 DEFIANT is the technology demonstrator proving out transformational capabilities for the DEFIANT X weapons system, the Sikorsky-Boeing team offering for the U.S. Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) competition as part of the Future Vertical Lift program. The Sikorsky-Boeing team designed DEFIANT X to serve the specific needs of all U.S. Army FLRAA missions – offering a holistic approach to speed, range, and maneuverability. The external load capacity of DEFIANT X significantly increases its potential for humanitarian assistance missions at home or abroad.
The SB>1 DEFIANT test flight program continues to demonstrate the military utility of the DEFIANT X design and further reduces the risk for the U.S. Army’s FLRAA program.
In May, SB>1 DEFIANT exceeded 230 knots in level flight.