Innovative Assault Helicopter Unveiled by Sikorsky and Boeing to Transform U.S. Army Operations

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary (NYSE: LMT), and Boeing (NYSE: BA) have unveiled details of their cutting-edge helicopter for the U.S. Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft initiative, termed FLRAA. The helicopter, identified as DEFIANT X, is poised to be the swiftest, most agile, and most resilient assault aircraft in history. Coupled with the team’s unparalleled expertise in mission systems, training, and maintenance, it will revolutionize how the Army addresses threats in 2035 and beyond.

DEFIANT X is a comprehensive weapon platform that enhances the handling proficiencies and transformative capabilities showcased by the team’s technology prototype, SB>1 DEFIANT®. With unmatched range and resilience, DEFIANT X will alter the combat dynamics of the Army, allowing crews to fly low and rapidly through intricate terrains, land swiftly, and transport Soldiers and gear to designated areas (referred to as “the X”) before promptly extracting.

DEFIANT X can traverse double the distance and speed of the legendary Black Hawk® helicopter, which it is intended to succeed. Currently in testing within a digital combat simulation, the aircraft consistently demonstrates itself as the foremost resilient asset for mission demands.

“We are prepared to offer exceptional capabilities backed by established technologies that will genuinely reshape the Army’s missions today, with possibilities to evolve for future tasks,” stated Andy Adams, Sikorsky’s vice president of Future Vertical Lift. “DEFIANT X encompasses not just a transformative aircraft—a highly maneuverable, resilient, and lethal weapon system—but also capitalizes on Sikorsky’s and Boeing’s advanced manufacturing efficiencies.”

Featuring a rigid coaxial rotor system along with a pusher propeller, DEFIANT X employs Sikorsky X2 Technology™ to function at elevated speeds while preserving low-speed handling performance. This pivotal feature grants Soldiers enhanced maneuverability and survivability within high-threat air defense scenarios, permitting penetration through enemy barriers while minimizing exposure to adversarial fire. In comparison to SB>1 DEFIANT, the DEFIANT X airframe boasts improvements in aerodynamics and a reduction in thermal signature.

“DEFIANT X is specifically engineered for a modernized Army that demands enhanced reach, resilience, and lethality,” commented Steve Parker, vice president and general manager of Boeing Vertical Lift. “This weapon system will provide Soldiers with an unmatched technological edge and connectivity against adversaries in a multi-domain battlefield.”

DEFIANT X is set to redefine the Army’s air assault capabilities with minimal alterations to tactics, techniques, procedures, training, and infrastructure while retaining the current Black Hawk helicopter framework and formation flying capabilities.

The Army is anticipated to issue a request for proposals regarding FLRAA later this year, with a contract allocation expected in 2022.