In the past two weeks the Army has issued RFI's for the FVL
small variant (CS1) and
medium variant (CS3). Definitely worth a read. Some of the desired capabilities are interesting. For example, the small variant RFI (CS1) lists
"5.1.9. Aerial refuel capable."
Sikorsky definitely has put themselves in a good position for FVL so far. They now have the massive resources of L-M available, and they have two related flight demonstration aircraft efforts with S97 and SB-1 (JMR TD). Most likely SB-1 & Bell's V-280 will be parked after the test phase of JMR wraps up at the end of FY19. But probably the most important benefits to Sikorsky from the S97/SB-1 programs are a greatly increased technical knowledge base of their concept and an established team of suppliers for all critical subsystems, which will be invaluable for their FVL effort.