The SB>1 Defiant prototype begun ground tests at Sikorsky plant in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Developed by Boeing and Sikorsky, the Defiant is their Joint Multi-Role (JMR) technology demonstrator for the US Army future helicopter program to develop a new aircraft expected to enter service in the early 2030s.

The SB>1 DEFIANT is designed to fly at twice the speed and range of today’s conventional helicopters and offers advanced agility and maneuverability.

The prototype, N100FV, was first unveiled to the public less than 3 weeks ago and the first flight is expected by early 2019.

It is reported to be powered by a slightly modified Honeywell T55, a 4000 shp-class engine used in the Boeing Chinook helicopter.