Sikorsky-Boeing Team Reveals Advanced Assault Helicopter Designed to Revolutionize U.S. Army Capabilities
January 25, 2021 at 08:30 am EST
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Sikorsky and Boeing 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 maneuverable 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, SB>1 DEFIANT. 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. 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 maneuverability and survivability in high-threat air defense environments, allowing them to penetrate enemy defenses 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 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. The Army is expected to release a request for proposal on FLRAA later this year, with a contract award expected in 2022.
The Boeing Company is the worldwide leader in aeronautical construction. Net sales (including intragroup) break down by market as follows:
- commercial aviation (43.5%). In addition to commercial aircraft, the group supplies spare parts and offers technical support, maintenance and engineering services;
- defense, space and security (32%): military aircraft and mobility systems (warplanes, helicopters, and air defense missiles), support services (logistics, engineering, maintenance and training services) and space equipment (satellites, launch pads, etc.).
The remaining sales (24.5%) are from services (logistics and supply management, engineering, maintenance, modification and training services, etc.), and commercial and private aircraft financing as well as aircraft equipment leasing activities.
Net sales are distributed geographically as follows: the United States (58.4%), Europe (13.5%), Asia (12.9%), Middle East (8.5%), Oceania (2.1%), Canada (1.6%), Africa (1.1%) and other (1.9%).