Sikorsky, Boeing present future attack helicopter of US
The Defiant-X is described as a complete and deadly weapon system that will change the Army's operational methods. It is currently undergoing electronic warfare testing. Boeing says the helicopter will revolutionize air assault capabilities
Dan Arkin
| 27/01/2021
The Defiant X helicopter. Photo from the Lockheed Martin website
Helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin) and Boeing released details on the future long-range attack helicopter that they are planning for the US military. The Defiant X is described by the two companies as the most advanced attack helicopter in the world in terms of its maneuverability and survivability.
Development of the helicopter is part of the comprehensive FLRAA plan for modernization of the Army. The helicopter is described as a complete and deadly weapon system that will change operational methods and enable helicopter pilots to reach their targets at very high speed and low altitude, in all types of terrain, and then land, deliver troops and equipment, take off, and return to base safely. Its speed is double that of Black Hawk helicopters (called "Yanshuf" in the IAF), which they are supposed to replace.
The new helicopter has a coaxial rotor and pusher propeller that particularly assists in handling at high speeds and low speeds. The helicopter enables troops to reach their targets without being detected by the enemy. Steve Parker, Vice President of Boeing, said the helicopter gives soldiers advantages and connectivity with other units on the battlefield, and that it will revolutionize air assault capabilities.
The Defiant X is currently undergoing electronic warfare testing. The vice president of Sikorsky, Andy Adams, said that the company will supply the Army with the helicopter that will improve operational capabilities and "adapt to the missions of tomorrow", calling it a "lethal weapon system". The unveiling of the helicopter is part of a competition, and a contract is expected to be awarded in 2022 to the company that wins the tender.
The Defiant-X is described as a complete and deadly weapon system that will change the Army's operational methods. It is currently undergoing electronic warfare testing. Boeing says the helicopter will revolutionize air assault capabilities
The Defiant X helicopter. Photo from the Lockheed Martin website
Helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin) and Boeing released details on the future long-range attack helicopter that they are planning for the US military. The Defiant X is described by the two companies as the most advanced attack helicopter in the world in terms of its maneuverability and survivability.
Development of the helicopter is part of the comprehensive FLRAA plan for modernization of the Army. The helicopter is described as a complete and deadly weapon system that will change operational methods and enable helicopter pilots to reach their targets at very high speed and low altitude, in all types of terrain, and then land, deliver troops and equipment, take off, and return to base safely. Its speed is double that of Black Hawk helicopters (called "Yanshuf" in the IAF), which they are supposed to replace.
The new helicopter has a coaxial rotor and pusher propeller that particularly assists in handling at high speeds and low speeds. The helicopter enables troops to reach their targets without being detected by the enemy. Steve Parker, Vice President of Boeing, said the helicopter gives soldiers advantages and connectivity with other units on the battlefield, and that it will revolutionize air assault capabilities.
The Defiant X is currently undergoing electronic warfare testing. The vice president of Sikorsky, Andy Adams, said that the company will supply the Army with the helicopter that will improve operational capabilities and "adapt to the missions of tomorrow", calling it a "lethal weapon system". The unveiling of the helicopter is part of a competition, and a contract is expected to be awarded in 2022 to the company that wins the tender.
