WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.,
Jan. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/
-- Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company (NYSE: LMT), and Boeing
(NYSE: BA) today 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 (referred to as "the X") 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.
View the video.
"We are ready to deliver unparalleled capabilities backed by
proven technologies that will truly transform the Army's mission
today, with room to grow and adapt to the missions of tomorrow,"
said Andy Adams, Sikorsky vice
president of Future Vertical Lift. "DEFIANT X not only includes the
transformational aircraft – a maneuverable, survivable, lethal
weapon system – it also leverages Sikorsky's and Boeing's advanced
manufacturing capabilities."
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 is purpose-built for a modernized Army that requires
expanded reach, survivability and lethality," said Steve Parker, vice president and general manager
of Boeing Vertical Lift. "This weapon system will give
Soldiers unequaled technological advantage and connectivity over
adversaries in a multi-domain battle space."
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 today.
The Army is expected to release a request for proposal on FLRAA
later this year, with a contract award expected in 2022.
About Sikorsky and Boeing
Together, Sikorsky and
Boeing have built 90 percent of the U.S. Army's current military
rotorcraft and have totaled more than 15 million flight hours.
We're the team that has brought forward iconic military rotorcraft
including: Black Hawk, Chinook and Apache. The iconic UH-60 Black
Hawk has proven itself to be the premiere assault platform in the
world and DEFIANT X will bring the next level of capability that
the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft requires.
Learn More: www.lockheedmartin.com/defiantx and
www.boeing.com/defiantx.
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Corporation