Revealed: January 2021 | |
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Firm, and Boeing on January 25 launched particulars of its superior helicopter for the U.S. Military’s Future Lengthy-Vary Assault Plane competitors, often known as FLRAA. The plane, named DEFIANT X, would be the quickest, most maneuverable and most survivable assault helicopter in historical past. Mixed with the staff’s unsurpassed expertise in mission programs, coaching and sustainment, it would revolutionize the way in which the Military meets threats in 2035 and past.
DEFIANT X is an entire weapon system that builds on the dealing with qualities and transformational capabilities confirmed by the staff’s expertise demonstrator, SB>1 DEFIANT®. With unmatched vary and survivability, DEFIANT X will change the way in which the Military fights – enabling crews to fly low and quick by way of advanced terrain, land shortly, ship Troopers and gear to the target space (known as “the X”) and get out.
DEFIANT X flies twice as far and quick because the venerable Black Hawk® helicopter it’s designed to exchange. At the moment present process testing in a digital fight setting, the plane continues to show itself probably the most survivable platform for mission necessities.
“We’re able to ship unparalleled capabilities backed by confirmed applied sciences that can actually remodel the Military’s mission as we speak, with room to develop and adapt to the missions of tomorrow,” mentioned Andy Adams, Sikorsky vice chairman of Future Vertical Elevate. “DEFIANT X not solely consists of the transformational plane – a maneuverable, survivable, deadly weapon system – it additionally leverages Sikorsky’s and Boeing’s superior manufacturing capabilities.”
With its inflexible coaxial rotor system and pusher propeller, DEFIANT X incorporates Sikorsky X2 Know-how™ to function at excessive speeds whereas sustaining low-speed dealing with qualities. This crucial functionality supplies Troopers with elevated maneuverability and survivability in high-threat air protection environments, permitting them to penetrate enemy defenses whereas decreasing publicity to enemy hearth. In comparison with SB>1 DEFIANT, the DEFIANT X airframe has enhancements to enhance aerodynamics and cut back the thermal signature.
“DEFIANT X is purpose-built for a modernized Military that requires expanded attain, survivability and lethality,” mentioned Steve Parker, vice chairman and normal supervisor of Boeing Vertical Elevate. “This weapon system will give Troopers unequaled technological benefit and connectivity over adversaries in a multi-domain battle area.”
DEFIANT X will revolutionize the Military’s air assault functionality with restricted adjustments in techniques, methods, procedures, coaching and infrastructure whereas sustaining the Black Hawk helicopter footprint and tight formation functionality flown as we speak.
The Military is anticipated to launch a request for proposal on FLRAA later this yr, with a contract award anticipated in 2022.