Supply chain partners for Black Hawk replacement contender revealed
10th May 2022 | In News | By Michael Tyrrell
Six supply chain partners have been released for a contenders to replace the US Army’s fleet of Black Hawk helicopters.
Defiant X, which is being developed by Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin company) and Boeing, is an advanced helicopter for the service’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) competition
Joining the programme is ATI Forged Products from Cudahy, Wisconsin, which will manufacture the gearbox forgings.
Collins Aerospace will supply its Perigon flight control and vehicle management computer. The company will also supply its aircraft seats, which are manufactured at its Colorado Springs facility.
Elbit Systems of America, based in Fort Worth, Texas will supply the mission system computer.
Parker Aerospace, based in Irvine, California is responsible for flight controls and its operation in Kalamazoo, Michigan will supply hydraulic pumps and modules.
Defiant’s landing gear will be manufactured in Medford, New York by Magnaghi Aeronautica.
Marotta Controls in Boonton, New Jersey will develop electrical power system components.
“Team Defiant is building a strong nationwide supply chain to provide the Army a transformational aircraft,” said Paul Lemmo, president of Sikorsky. “This team and its proven experience will ensure that Defiant X is a low-risk, reliable and survivable aircraft for our Soldiers and the Army’s long-range assault mission.”
“Defiant X is the right aircraft, made by the right team, for the Army’s FLRAA mission,” added Mark Cherry, vice president and general manager of Boeing Vertical Lift. “Leveraging many existing supplier relationships, we’ve put together the best industry team to deliver a purpose-built, low-risk and cost-effective next-generation aircraft that can operate across multiple theaters, well into the future.”
These companies were selected based on exceptional performance and experience supporting the US Army’s Black Hawks, Apaches and Chinooks.
The team will use the US Army’s Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) requirements and continue to embrace advanced manufacturing techniques already used to design and manufacture the Army’s current fleet.
It was previously announced that Honeywell will provide its new HTS7500 turboshaft engine to power Defiant X.
The contract award for the US Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft is expected this year.
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