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On December 26th, Sikorsky (a Lockheed Martin company) and Boeing provided a first look at the SB>1 DEFIANT helicopter that’s been under development for the U.S. Army’s Joint Multi-Role technology demonstrator program.
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The SB>1 DEFIANT will be a high-speed, long-range, ultra-maneuverability military helicopter. The companies have simply released two new photographs of a concept, which is expected to be a very effective next generation helicopter in the US Army to be commissioned in the 2030s.
New Atlas reported that the SB>1 DEFIANT “is a joint multi-role medium-class Future Vertical Lift technology demonstrator built around Sikorsky’s X2 platform, which uses two counter-rotating rigid blades on the top of the aircraft to eliminate the retreating blade stall problem that puts a ~150 mph (~240 kmh) speed limit on helicopters with a single top rotor.”
The abovementioned Future Vertical Lift technology concept was unveiled in April 2017, when they released a concept video showing off the potential of the system.
Essentially, Sikorsky’s technology puts two main rotors on top of each other, which rotate in opposite directions. This balances out the lift profile on either side and allows the helicopter to fly much faster, while not losing handling and agility.
Due to it, there is also no requirement for a regular tail rotor, yaw is managed by the top rotors. To get additional speed, the SB>1 DEFIANT uses a pusher prop at the rear, along with active rudders and elevators. Basically, that is what the Future Vertical Lift is – the helicopter can lift off and quickly move away, without the need to tilt forward.
“The Defiant will have retractable landing gear, reducing drag to allow higher speeds at greater efficiencies, leading to longer range. Its twin rotor system will minimize downwash as you get on and off, and Sikorsky also claims a “dramatically reduced acoustic signature.” On the ground, the top rotors can be folded back, allowing it to be stored and transported easily.”
Furthermore, there’s also an active vibration control to make the aircraft more comfortable and less noisy – which is what you want when you’re dropping off commandos in the middle of the night.
When it is commissioned, the SB>1 DEFIANT will carry a crew of four and a cabin equipped for 12 combat-ready troops or 8 medevac litters. That is in its assault option; the attack one will share the same fly-by-wire drivetrain and many other systems, but a different composite fuselage and will be much more heavily armed.
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Click to see the full-size image
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