Sikorsky, Boeing to submit X2-based JMR proposal

Sikorsky and Boeing have announced that they will submit a joint proposal for the US Army's Joint Multi-Role (JMR) Technology Demonstrator (TD) Phase 1 programme based on the X2 Technology rotorcraft design.

The X2 Technology demonstrator is being developed by Sikorsky in an effort to resolve the compromise between hover performance and forward speed for vertical flight aircraft.

The JMR TD programme supports the US Army's Future Vertical Lift initiative to deliver the next generation of vertical lift utility and attack aircraft. Proposals for phase one of the programme are due to the US Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate by 6 March. The army is expected to announce its selection of one or more winning bids in late 2013, with a demonstrator aircraft are expected to fly in 2017.

Samir Mehta, president of Sikorsky Military Systems, said: ‘The Sikorsky and Boeing proposal will demonstrate how X2 Technology, with its counter-rotating coaxial main rotors, pusher propeller, and advanced fly-by-wire system, will deliver efficient 230-knot cruise airspeed, improved hover efficiency, and weight-optimised design in an affordable package. By leveraging our proven design, we can offer the army reduced risk, a 100-knot improvement in speed, a 60 percent improvement in combat radius, and 50 percent better high-hot hover performance.’

Leanne Caret, vice president and general manager of Boeing's Vertical Lift division, added: ‘The Sikorsky-Boeing team for JMR TD is truly a team of equals. Sikorsky will take the lead role in this JMR TD Phase 1 proposal, and Boeing will take a lead role for Phase 2, the mission systems demonstrator programme.

‘Our companies are fully committed to the long-term nature of the Future Vertical Lift initiative, and we will contribute equally in terms of capital, technological capability and risk on our path to meeting the army's requirements.’