Boeing, Sikorsky X2 Technology proposed for Army's JMR FVL
NewsMarch 01, 2013
WASHINGTON. Boeing and Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. will submit a joint proposal to build a demonstrator aircraft based on Sikorsky’s X2 Technology design for the U.S. Army’s Joint Multi-Role (JMR) Technology Demonstrator (TD) Phase 1 program, which supports the Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) initiative.
The proposal will demonstrate the 230-knot cruise airspeed and hover efficiency enabled by X2 Technology’s pusher propeller, fly-by-wire system, and counter-rotating coaxial main rotors. "By leveraging our proven design, we can offer the Army reduced risk, a 100-knot improvement in speed, a 60 percent improvement in combat radius, and 50 percent better high-hot hover performance," says Samir Mehta, president of Sikorsky Military Systems.
JMR TD Phase 1 proposals are due to the U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate by March 6, with the Army expected to announce its bid selection late this year. Demonstrator aircraft flights are currently scheduled for 2017.
"Sikorsky will take the lead role in this JMR TD Phase 1 proposal, and Boeing will take a lead role for Phase 2, the mission systems demonstrator program,” says Leanne Caret, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing's Vertical Lift division. "Our companies are fully committed to the long-term nature of the Future Vertical Lift initiative, and we will contribute equally in terms of capital, technological capability and risk on our path to meeting the Army's requirements."
