The latest Sikorsky-Boeing printed infomercial (attached) spends the whole "article" minimizing technical requirements/capabilities and initial cost by emphasizing the current boogieman of long term sustainment costs as a reason why the SB-1 should be selected for FLRAA. So basically ignore the tangibles of lower speed, shorter range, and higher acquisition costs of the SB-1 versus the Bell V-280 for an unknown promise of lower life cycle costs. This approach attempts to fearmonger using the F-35 unaffordability fiasco that has been in the headlines. What is so pathetic is the S-B team, along with Sikorsky parent LM, have failed repeatedly to control acquisition costs, meet schedules, and provide a sustainable spec compliant product. Additionally, this team are the poster childes for what they are warning about by supplying legendary acquisition failures including the Cyclone, Comanche, and CH-53K (Sikorsky); the KC-46, Starliner, and 737Max (Boeing); and of course the F-35 and F-22 (LM).
As a counterpoint the Bell V-280 has incorporated and demonstrated changes learned from earlier tiltrotors to simplify construction, reduce risk and cost, improve operability and (stunningly) met program requirements.
You almost have to feel sorry the S-B team as they grasp at this last straw to save themselves.
Sponsored Content: An acquisition strategy for the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft: Focus on the mission - POLITICO