SB>1 Defiant achieved 211 knots straight and level and 232 knots in a descent with only two-thirds prop torque and engine power

On Oct. 12, 2020 with only about two-thirds prop torque and engine power, the Sikorsky-Boeing SB>1 Defiant achieved 211 knots straight and level and 232 knots in a descent. 

On Oct. 12, 2020 with only about two-thirds prop torque and engine power, the Sikorsky-Boeing SB>1 Defiant achieved 211 knots straight and level and 232 knots in a descent. 

​“The Sikorsky-Boeing team continues to make great progress as we advance Defiant’s rigorous flight test program. 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. We recently flew the Sikorsky S-97 Raider and the Sikorsky-Boeing Defiant together in formation, demonstrating the transformational capability X2 Technology enables in support of the ground commander. On Oct. 12, with only about two-thirds prop torque and engine power, Defiant achieved 211 knots straight and level and 232 knots in a descent. We are excited about the results we are seeing and what the future holds for our ability to bring this capability to the warfighter,” reads a statement from Sikorsky-Boeing Team. ​ ​

​Andy Adams, Vice President, Sikorsky Future Vertical Lift, adds: “Together, Sikorsky and Boeing provide nearly 90% of the aircraft in the Army’s inventory today, and we understand how tomorrow’s multi-domain operations require aircraft that provide survivability, agility and speed – where it matters. That’s why we’re planning ahead with continued flight testing, refining our designs to specifically match the Army’s requirements, and building a weapon system that will give the Army transformational capability with unsurpassed training and sustainment capabilities – giving our Soldiers what they need to achieve aviation overmatch for the next 40 years.”​

The following video gives an overview of the continued effort undertaken Sikorsky-Boeing Team to expand SB>1 Defiant’s flight envelope.

Photo credit: Sikorsky-Boeing