The New Sikorsky-Boeing SB-1 Defiant Helicopter

 

Sikorsky and Boeing are continuing to flight test the SB-1 Defiant compound helicopter, selected for further testing under the Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program. Sikorsky is partnered with Boeing on the SB-1 Defiant program in order to meet the demands of the Army’s future vertical lift mission. Defiant is highly maneuverable and will extend the warfighter’s capabilities on the modern battlefield – and fits in the same footprint as a Black Hawk. Defiant builds on Sikorsky’s foundational X2 Technology which integrates coaxial rotors, fly-by-wire flight controls and a propulsion system to redefine the attributes and abilities of a typical helicopter. Counter-rotating main rotors give extra lift, stability and smoothness. This gives the SB-1 speed, climb, and VTOL advantages over normal helicopters.