Sikorsky, Boeing partner to submit X2 Technology helicopter design to meet U.S. Army Future Vertical Lift requirements

WASHINGTON, 2 March 2013. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), and Boeing (NYSE:BA) are submitting a joint proposal to build a demonstrator aircraft based on Sikorsky's X2 Technology rotorcraft design for the U.S. Army's Joint Multi-Role (JMR) Technology Demonstrator (TD) Phase 1 program.

"The Sikorsky and Boeing proposal will demonstrate how X2 Technology, with its counter-rotating coaxial main rotors, pusher propeller, and advanced fly-by-wire system, will deliver efficient 230-knot cruise airspeed, improved hover efficiency, and weight-optimized design in an affordable package," explains Samir Mehta, president of Sikorsky Military Systems. "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."

Proposals for JMR TD Phase 1 are due to the U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate by 6 March.

Sikorsky will take the lead role in the JMR TD Phase 1 proposal, while Boeing will take a lead role for Phase 2, the mission systems demonstrator program.

The Army is expected to announce its selection of one or more winning bids in late 2013. Demonstrator aircraft are expected to fly in 2017.