First flight of the Sikorsky-Boeing SB-1 DEFIANT helicopter

(To Staff)
22/03/19

The Sikorsky-Boeing SB-1 DEFIANT helicopter performed its first flight yesterday.

The aircraft, developed by Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin group) and Boeing could be part of the next generation of US military helicopters (program Future Vertical Lift).

With its two coaxial main rotors and rear propulsion, the DEFIANT differs from rotary-wing in-service aircraft.

"The DEFIANT is designed to fly at almost twice the speed and with double the range compared to conventional helicopters, maintaining the same, if not better, hovering performance and low speed"said Dan Spoor, vice president of Sikorsky Future Vertical Lift.

The helicopter participates in the program Joint Multi-Role-Medium Technology Demonstrator of the US: Army. The DEFIANT's performance, according to the manufacturers, will help the army determine the requirements for the aircraft that should be put into service at the beginning of the 30 years.