The SB-1 Defiant from Sikorsky-Boeing,  a next-generation helicopter being developed under the US Army’s joint multi-role technology demonstrator program — has achieved a key milestone by reaching speeds greater than 200 knots, industry executives announced June 16.

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Sikorsky test pilot Bill Fell noted that during the flight test Defiant reached speeds of 205 knots while using less than 50 percent of the helicopter's installed propeller power (Picture source: Sikorsky)

Defiant is one of two aircraft competing to become the US Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), which should fly at least 230 knots. Its competition, Bell’s V-280 Valor advanced tiltrotor, has flown at 300 knots.

Sikorsky test pilot Bill Fell noted that during the flight test Defiant reached speeds of 205 knots while using less than 50 percent of the helicopter's installed propeller power.

“We're just adding to the survivability of these platforms by being able to remain low level … going speeds well in excess of 200 knots,” he said. “Expect a lot more in the future because we have a lot more [propeller] power to apply to this machine.”