The Sikorsky-Boeing SB>1 Defiant conducted an extensive flight test program that demonstrated revolutionary capabilities for next-generation military helicopters, pushing the boundaries of speed, maneuverability, and mission versatility
Early Flight Envelope Expansion
During initial testing at the Sikorsky Development Flight Test Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, the SB>1 Defiant exceeded 100 knots and performed maneuvers at a 30-degree angle of bank. Through weekly sorties, the team executed mission elements required for Future Vertical Lift, steadily expanding the aircraft’s flight envelope.
Developed for the U.S. Army’s Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstration program, this medium-class technology demonstrator was designed to fly at twice the speed and range of conventional military helicopters while offering advanced agility and maneuverability. Sikorsky and Boeing proved the scalability and tailorability of Sikorsky’s Collier award-winning X2 Technology through the SB>1 program.
Breaking Speed Records
In June 2020, the Defiant achieved a significant milestone by reaching 205 knots, surpassing the top speed of the legendary Black Hawk. Lockheed Martin announced this achievement in a news release. Sikorsky Chief Test Pilot Bill Fell remarked that this was just the beginning and that the aircraft had “a lot more in it.”
The momentum continued, and on October 12, 2020, with only about two-thirds of prop torque and engine power, the SB>1 Defiant achieved 211 knots straight and level and 232 knots in descent. By May 2021, the aircraft exceeded 230 knots in level flight, and later demonstrations saw it reach 236 knots.
“The Sikorsky-Boeing team continues to make great progress as we advance Defiant’s rigorous flight test program,” a team statement noted. “With every flight, as we continue to increase Defiant’s speed, angle of bank, and rate of climb, we are gathering important data, expanding our speed and maneuverability envelope, and validating our modeling and simulation tools.”
The team also demonstrated the transformational capability by flying the Sikorsky S-97 Raider and the Sikorsky-Boeing Defiant together in formation, showcasing what X2 Technology enables in support of ground commanders.
