Sikorsky [UTX] and Boeing [BA] will help develop.the Joint Common Architecture (JCA) standard for the Army’s Joint Multi-Role (JMR) Science and Technology program.
The Technology Investment Agreement was awarded by the Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate on June 30.
“The Army considers the JCA to be the ‘digital backbone’ through which mission systems will be seamlessly integrated into the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) system’s design,” said Samir Mehta, president of Sikorsky Defense Systems & Services. “This is a key component of FVL, and we look forward to providing solutions to support the Army’s efforts. Our solution will help bring efficiency to future rotorcraft platforms.”
David Koopersmith, Boeing Vice President and General Manager of Vertical Lift programs, said: “Boeing and Sikorsky bring unparalleled expertise and experience in meeting the needs of Army Aviation. As partners in the JCA and the JMR Technology Demonstrator (JMR TD) program, our team combines the best that industry has to offer.”
The JMR TD program supports the Army’s Future Vertical Lift initiative to deliver the next generation of vertical lift utility and attack aircraft.
Image: Boeing
The Sikorsky-Boeing proposal, the SB 1 Defiant, is based on Sikorsky’s X2 Technology™ rotorcraft design with counter-rotating coaxial main rotors and a pusher propeller, and advanced fly-by-wire system.
The Army is expected to select from among four teams—AVX, Bell Helicopter [TXT], Karem Aircraft, and the Boeing-Sikorsky team–at the end of July to proceed with the development of demonstration aircraft, which will fly in 2017.