Honeywell's T55 engine powers SB>1 Defiant
Honeywell's T55 turboshaft engines have been successfully tested on the Sikorsky-Boeing SB>1 Defiant demonstrator, the company announced on 15 April.
The engines lifted the SB>1 DEFIANT medium-lift demonstrator on its first flight in late March 2019. The new future vertical lift demonstrator is intended to modernise the US Army Aviation branch.
Initial testing of the Defiant was conducted with the current Honeywell T55 version used in the Chinook helicopter. The latest version of the T55 engine is in the final stages of development and will incorporate new technology including improved fuel savings capability and greater horsepower.
The new T55 engine can be incorporated as a kit during overhaul. The latest configuration will also be available as a new production, forward-fit option.
Honeywell is now poised to offer a common engine solution for both the Chinook and the aircraft selected by the Future Vertical Lift procurement team.
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