Sikorsky-Boeing unveils Defiant X offering for US Army's FLRAA

Sikorsky-Boeing unveiled its Defiant X rigid co-axial rotorcraft offering for the US Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) effort that features a few design changes from the SB>1 Defiant technology demonstrator on 25 January.

The Defiant X is Sikorsky-Boeing’s complete weapon system configuration for the FLRAA competition. It builds on handling qualities and capabilities developed by the SB>1 Defiant, which was built for the US Army’s Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator (JMR-TD) programme.

Artist’s illustration of Sikorsky-Boeing’s Defiant X rigid co-axial rotorcraft the team is offering for the US Army’s FLRAA programme. The V-shaped vertical stabiliser design is a modification of the SB>1 Defiant technology demonstrator design. (Sikorsky-Boeing)

Jay Macklin, Sikorsky Future Vertical Lift (FVL) business development director, told Janes on 22 January that Sikorsky-Boeing made enhancements to the Defiant X design to reduce its thermal signature, including changes to the exhaust system. The team’s enhancements also improve the aircraft’s aerodynamic handling.

The Defiant X has a V-shaped vertical stabiliser design, which is different from the flying wing-style vertical stabiliser found on the SB>1 Defiant. Sikorsky-Boeing declined to provide further details about modifications it made for the Defiant X, citing competition sensitivities.

The team installed a tricycle landing gear on the Defiant X. Heather McBryan, Boeing FVL sales and marketing director, told Janes on 22 January that this will improve stability, landing, and taxiing in combat and austere environments. Sikorsky-Boeing also developed an integrated mission system package, which Macklin said will enable Joint All-Domain Operations (JADO) capability. Additionally, a modular open systems architecture will allow upgrades to maintain the aircraft’s relevance on the 2035 battlefield.