The Sikorsky-Boeing SB>1 Defiant helicopter has demonstrated mission-relevant lifting capacity that will deliver troops and cargo in future combat at twice the range of the current fleet. The flight, carrying a 5,300-pound Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System training load, took place last week at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.

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The lifting power demonstrated by SB>1 Defiant equates to an Infantry Squad Vehicle or hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition (Picture source: Sikorsky-Boeing)

The lifting power demonstrated by SB>1 Defiant equates to an Infantry Squad Vehicle or hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition - resupply vital to Soldier survival in a contested environment - further displaying Defiant's suitability for the Army mission.

SB>1 Defiant is the technology demonstrator proving out transformational capabilities for the Defiant X weapons system, which the Sikorsky-Boeing team is offering for the U.S. Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) competition. The external load capacity of Defiant X significantly increases the Army's ability to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions at home or abroad.

In May 2021, SB>1 Defiant exceeded 230 knots in level flight.