SB>1 Defiant hits new speed with acceleration left to spur
The SB>1 co-axial helicopter has recorded a new flight test speed of 232kt.
The Sikorsky-Boeing made SB>1 Defiant co-axial helicopter has reached a speed of 232kt during flight testing – a first for the FLRAA competitor.
The feat was achieved on 12 October using only two-thirds prop torque and engine power, according to Sikorsky, suggesting that future flights will see the aircraft fly even faster.
More importantly, Defiant has now exceeded the 230kt FLRAA speed requirement setout by the US Army as it looks to transition from the UH-60 Black Hawk fleet to either the SB>1 or Bell’s V-280 Valor tiltrotor.
A new long-range assault fleet is expected to enter service from 2030
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