Sikorsky-Boeing Team Launches Helicopter for Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft Competition

Lockheed Martin’s (NYSE: LMT) Sikorsky subsidiary and Boeing (NYSE: BA) unveiled DEFIANT X, a helicopter the industry team plans to offer for the U.S. Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft program.

DEFIANT X features Sikorsky’s X2 Technology designed to provide soldiers greater maneuverability while flying the aircraft at low altitudes and high speeds to enable them to get into adversary’s defenses while avoiding enemy contact, Lockheed said Monday.

Andy Adams, vice president of future vertical lift at Sikorsky, said the aircraft leverages the advanced manufacturing capabilities of the Sikorsky-Boeing team.

The aircraft also has a pusher propeller, a rigid coaxial rotor system and an airframe that could help reduce thermal signature and enhance aerodynamics. It also builds on the handling capabilities of the Sikorsky-Boeing team’s SB>1 DEFIANT X technology demonstrator.

Steve Parker, vice president and general manager of Boeing Vertical Lift, said DEFIANT X will provide warfighters connectivity and technological edge over enemies in a multidomain battlespace.

The Army released a presolicitation for the FLRAA program in December. Sikorsky said the service is expected to issue a request for proposals later this year and award a contract in 2022.

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