The company’s HTS7500 turboshaft engine has been selected to power the DEFIANT X — an advanced manoeuvrable weapon system proposed for selection, designed to fly twice as far and twice as fast as the Black Hawk.

Mark Cherry, vice-president and general manager of Boeing Vertical Lift welcomed Honeywell’s participation in the program.

“Team DEFIANT’s strength is built on the experience of Sikorsky and Boeing, and a commitment to Army Aviation,” he said.

“Honeywell’s history with Boeing and the US Army makes us even more confident that DEFIANT X is the best fit for the Army’s total mission.”

Paul Lemmo, president of Sikorsky added: “DEFIANT X is a transformational aircraft, and Honeywell is giving us a transformational engine to power it.

“DEFIANT X is optimised for operational effectiveness, sustainment and interoperability with the enduring fleet, and will transform the Army.”

VIEW ALL

DEFIANT X is billed as a complete weapon system, which builds on the handling qualities and capabilities of the team’s technology demonstrator, SB>1 DEFIANT.

The helicopter is currently undergoing testing in a digital combat environment.

“Honeywell is excited to be a part of Team DEFIANT and proud to play a part in the future of vertical lift for the US Army,” Ricky Freeman, president, defence and space at Honeywell Aerospace said.

“We’re confident our HTS7500 engine on the DEFIANT X platform will provide the Army with an agile, fast and manoeuvrable platform that will help ensure overmatch capability in the future battlespace.”

Team DEFIANT X entered the competition in September 2021, with the US Army expected to award a contract later this year.

[Related: Sikorsky wins new CH-53K King Stallion contract]

Reporter

Author

Know More