They would, wouldn't they?
Originally Posted by
Flugzeug A
!
Everyone’s better than me at maths , could someone work out the cost per Kg etc load carried by each airframe?
I mean based on the cost of the aircraft v the payload?
Given that they have not actually produced prototype #1, nobody can tell you that.
(As to the 'old and slow' problem the Marines got to enjoy the fun of their V-22s (potentially) outrunning their armed escorts, the AH-1W, which used to escort the Phrogs.
Didn't stop them from getting V-22s)
An aircraft should be delivered for initial testing in 2024-ish,
if the second-hand info I have is reliable.
The Valor you saw flying was the tech demonstrator. The first flight test article will have folded in some changes (lessons learned being applied, etc) before Prototype 1 rolls onto a flight line anywhere.
Originally Posted by
60FltMech
I’m wondering if the dimensions we are seeing for either aircraft are accurate.
In the case of Defiant I’m not sure I’ve even seen official dimensions published anywhere.
I can’t see how they fit in the same footprint as as an H-60 but your image makes a compelling argument against what Boeing/Sikorsky may be claiming.
Having said that, credit to the Army if they actually made the size requirement around a legacy aircraft and stuck to it, not an insignificant cost to revamp all Army Facilities!
flt mech
That's a great point, 60FltMech. What facilities modifications are a follow on consequence of any new acquisition?
Important questions to ask and answer.
(A number of folks have, above, addressed the "how to you get it across the ocean" question so I'll not belabor that point)
As to the dimensions: as both were demonstrators, I suspect the dimensions will get refined by the time Number 1 shows up, but the general magnitudes are probably close enough.
(IIRC, Mr Dixson can talk to the UH-60 shaft extension and air transport geometry for the Blackhawk...from that program's early days)