The X-49A is based on the airframe of a Sikorsky YSH-60F Seahawk, but utilizes Piasecki's proprietary vectored thrust ducted propeller (VTDP) design and includes the addition of lifting wings.
X-49A didasarkan pada badan pesawat dari Sikorsky YSH-60F Seahawk, tetapi itu memanfaatkan desain vektor dorong menyalurkan baling-baling (VTDP) milik Piasecki dan termasuk penambahan sayap angkat.