The SB>1 DEFIANT hit a new speed record of 205 knots, or 236 miles per hour (mph), pushing the limit of conventional helicopter abilities to new heights.
The DEFIANT is leading the charge for the Future Vertical Lift program, a plan by the U.S. military to replace its entire fleet with next-generation rotorcraft. A helicopter demonstrating this speed would improve survivability, performance, and success during critical military missions.
This helicopter is fitted with a composite coaxial rotor blade system that gives pilots increased maneuverability, agility, and speed. It also allows the DEFIANT to travel twice the speed and distance in comparison to today’s helicopters.
In addition to the AH-64 Apache, CH-47 Chinook, and the UH-60 Black Hawk, the DEFIANT will soon join a successful line of mission-ready helicopters for the U.S. Army.