Is This The Future Of Military Helicopters?

A graphic showing the lineage of the SB>1 Defiant and plans for future variants. Lockheed Martin

Popular Mechanics: Will the Defiant Be the Helicopter That Finally Replaces the Black Hawk?

New pictures and tests next year offer a lot of potential, but not all experts are convinced.

Two American giants of military development, Sikorsky and Boeing, have teamed up for what they are calling a revolutionary helicopter design. The SB>1 Defiant, in the works for years, is finally getting a debut in pictures. According to a press release, the Defiant is "designed to fly at twice the speed and range of today's conventional helicopters and offers advanced agility and maneuverability."

The actual flight launch is scheduled for 2019, even as early as next month.

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Update #1: Here's Our First Look At Sikorsky and Boeing's Defiant Compound Helicopter Prototype (Warzone/The Drive)
Update #2: Future Vertical Lift: SB>1 Defiant Flight Delayed Until Early 2019 (Breaking Defense)

WNU Editor: This is an impressive helicopter. But there are few if any details on how much it is going to cost.