Sikorsky Aircraft and Boeing team continue testing SB-1 Defiant helicopter. Now, a little over a year after the first flight, a new video from the tests of this interesting machine was presented.
Recall, that the first flight of the prototype high-speed helicopter Sikorsky-Boeing SB-1 Defiant took place 21 Martha 2019 of the year. Aircraft Tests, like a number of other helicopters and convertiplanes, they are carried out as part of the US Department of Defense's Future Vertical Lift program for creating vertical take-off aircraft.
After the announcement and subsequent testing of the SB-1 Defiant, the media talked about a new promising American helicopter, which can change the face of modern world helicopter engineering, featuring impressive technical specifications.
The combination of the ability to take off and land at high speed very interested in the US military. The proposed Defiant helicopter uses an innovative design with a coaxial arrangement of rotors of a special design. The helicopter is highly maneuverable and is capable of developing cruising speed in 460 kmh, which is a lot for a helicopter.
These characteristics make the machine indispensable for special operations., landing, evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield. So far, the prototype is an exclusively transport helicopter, intended for the transport of personnel, but in the future it is possible, that the helicopter will be armed with machine-gun or grenade launchers to support airborne combat groups, who have to land with Defiant.
Developers are counting, that he can replace the UH-60 Black Hawk. true, the helicopter has a serious competitor – convertible V-280 Valor, which project is being worked out by experts from Bell Helicopter and Lockheed Martin. However, given the complexity of the convertiplanes in operation, far from a fact, that the V-280 Valor will be able to win the competition with the SB-1 Defiant.
Maneuvering video in the air:
Testing continues for the #SB1Defiant, expanding the flight envelope and demonstrating low altitude maneuverability. These capabilities are crucial for the @USArmy’s future long-range assault mission. Learn more: https://t.co/ckotKBpKmu #FVL #FLRAA pic.twitter.com/qYJciVaWGY
— Sikorsky (@Sikorsky) May 12, 2020
Ongoing tests were devoted to further verification of the flight performance and technical characteristics of the helicopter. High-level guests watched the flight of the helicopter – Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy and Sen. Tammy Duckworth - Retired Lieutenant Colonel. It’s worth mentioning about the latter: this woman used to be a helicopter pilot in the US National Guard, participated in hostilities in Iraq and lost both legs due to a helicopter crash.
Defiant helicopter demonstrated the ability to perform maneuvers at low altitudes before the distinguished guests of the tests. In the video you can see, how a helicopter makes a U-turn, and also maneuvers above the ground.
As emphasized in the official statement regarding the maneuvers, the ability to operate at low altitudes will subsequently become crucial for the assault missions of the American army. In local conflicts, including at great distances from the border of the United States, a new helicopter can play a very important role for the airborne and reconnaissance units.
