Graphic shows features of Sikorsky-Boeing SB-1 Defiant.
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AVIATION

SB-1 Defiant helicopter set for take-off

By Jordi Bou

January 14, 2019 - The Sikorsky-Boeing SB-1 Defiant prototype, in competition with the Bell V-280 Valor to replace the U.S. Army’s UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache helicopters, is to make its maiden flight.

The SB-1 is designed to fly at twice the speed and range of today's conventional helicopters and offers advanced agility and manoeuvrability.

It is equipped with Sikorsky’s coaxial rotor system technology, which was tested aboard the X2 and S-97 Raider aircraft. Each rotor of the twin co-axial rotor system will revolve in the opposite direction and will reduce the net torque of the other rotor in real-time.

Developed to cruise at 463km/h while retaining excellent low-speed handling, the SB-1 incorporates fly-by-wire flight controls, active vibration control, and an integrated auxiliary propulsion system that includes a pusher propeller driven by the same gear box that turned the main rotors.

Along with the Bell V-280 Valor tiltrotor, the Defiant was downselected in October 2014 to help the U.S. Army develop its requirements for new utility helicopters expected to enter service in the early 2030s. Based on an upcoming 'fly-off', the army will downselect to one platform for further development of the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) family of rotorcraft.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 14/01/2019; STORY: Graphic News
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