SB>1 Defiant technology in new testing
A new series of tests have been carried out on Sikorsky’s X2 Technology aircraft as part of work to improve the US Army’s aviation technology.
The testing, carried out by Sikorsky, Boeing and the US Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center Army Aviation Development Directorate, supports the development of the SB>1 Defiant military helicopter being developed for the army’s Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator (JMR TD) programme.
The X2 was put through wind tunnel testing to validate its aerodynamic performance and flight mechanics. These configurations, which are being used on the SB>1 Defiant, include a lift-offset coaxial rotor system, composite fuselage and rear-mounted pusher propulsor that provides increased speed.
The SB>1 Defiant is a technology demonstrator for a medium-lift utility helicopter. Future uses of this type of air vehicle could include attack and assault, troop transport or MEDEVAC.
In the testing a 1/5 scale model of the SB>1 airframe with powered coaxial main rotors was placed in a wind tunnel. Measurements included forces and moments on the various components, as well as fuselage, empennage and blade surface pressures.
The testing provided performance and handling qualities data that is now undergoing review and analysis.
The full-scale SB>1 Defiant flight demonstrator is currently undergoing ground and flight tests at Sikorsky’s flight test facility. The airframe will help the army develop requirements for new utility helicopters expected to enter service in the early 2030s.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine]()
Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine
Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
-
![Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook]()
Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook
Boeing has clinched a major contract modification to further its backing of the US Special Operations Command’s MH-47G Chinook aircraft modernisation effort.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut]()
Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut
Two KAI helicopters, the KUH-1E utility helicopter and the Light Attack Helicopter (LAH), have taken centre stage at the Dubai Airshow 2023.
-
![Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter]()
Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter
The Italian Navy now boasts a fleet of 56 NH90 helicopters comprising 46 SH-90As and 10 MH-90As.
-
![Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters]()
Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters
The Argentinian Air Force (FAA) and the Argentinian Naval Aviation Command (COAN) are looking for options to upgrade their helicopter fleets.
-
![DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest]()
DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest
Lockheed Martin promises a boost to the British job market and export opportunities, while strengthening ties with Poland and positioning the UK for a future in rotorcraft technology in the event of a New Medium Helicopter competition triumph.
