GE Aerospace Awarded Subcontract to Develop Avionics Systems for US Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft

GE Aerospace has secured a key subcontract from Bell Textron to develop the avionics systems for the US Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. This contract, as announced earlier this week, is a step forward in the development of the FLRAA, which is set to replace aging helicopters like the Black Hawk and Apache.

The award comes after Bell’s Milestone B approval in August 2024, transitioning the program into the next phase of its engineering and manufacturing development (EMD).

GE Aerospace’s role in this phase underscores the importance of advanced avionics and digital infrastructure in ensuring FLRAA’s operational success and technological innovation. Let’s take a closer look at the details of this latest defense subcontract.

The Digital Backbone

A central element of GE Aerospace’s subcontract is the development of the FLRAA’s digital backbone. This advanced system will incorporate Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), providing a high-speed, reliable “data highway” that is crucial for moving data across the aircraft.

The digital backbone is designed to enable the rapid modification and reconfiguration of the aircraft’s systems, allowing for quicker updates and improvements without requiring a systems integrator. This capability is essential for maintaining flexibility and keeping pace with technological advancements.

One of the key benefits of the digital backbone is its ability to support a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), which GE Aerospace has emphasized will be fundamental in the FLRAA’s development. This approach allows for more efficient integration of future upgrades and modifications, ensuring that the aircraft remains adaptable and scalable over its operational life.

In addition to the digital backbone, GE Aerospace will provide the Health Awareness System (HAS) for the FLRAA.

Building on decades of experience with both commercial and military aviation, GE’s Health Awareness System is designed to enhance mission readiness through predictive maintenance capabilities.

The system is engineered to detect potential issues before they become critical, reducing maintenance costs and improving the aircraft’s overall operational availability. This has been a significant factor in GE’s success with similar systems in other aviation platforms, where the Health Awareness System has already saved millions of dollars in maintenance and downtime.

FLRAA Program Overview

The FLRAA program is part of the US Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) initiative, which aims to develop next-generation aircraft to replace current fleet models, including the Black Hawk and Apache helicopters.

Bell Textron’s V-280 Valor, selected for the FLRAA program, was chosen for its advanced capabilities, including a cruising speed of 280 knots (320 miles per hour) and a top speed of 300 knots (345 miles per hour). The V-280 Valor tiltrotor aircraft is designed to provide twice the range and endurance of existing military helicopters, making it a game-changer for US Army aviation.

The FLRAA is expected to have improved flight performance and enhanced lifecycle sustainability, ensuring that it can meet the demands of modern combat and logistical operations over the next several decades.

Bell won the $1.3 billion production contract for the FLRAA in December 2022, defeating a joint bid from Sikorsky and Boeing.

The aircraft is intended to replace approximately 2,000 Black Hawk helicopters and 1,200 Apache helicopters, significantly modernizing the Army’s fleet.

Program Timeline

The first flight of the FLRAA is scheduled for 2026, with low-rate initial production set to begin in 2028.

Full operational fielding of the aircraft is expected to take place by 2030. As the program progresses into the engineering and manufacturing development phase, the work being done by GE Aerospace to develop avionics and other critical systems will play a vital role in ensuring the FLRAA meets all performance and operational requirements.

The subcontract awarded to GE Aerospace marks a pivotal moment in the development of the FLRAA, as it underscores the importance of cutting-edge avionics and digital technologies in modern military aviation. With the integration of advanced systems like the digital backbone and Health Awareness System, the FLRAA is set to be one of the most advanced and adaptable vertical lift platforms ever produced for the US Army.

This partnership between Bell Textron and GE Aerospace also reflects the growing emphasis on modular, flexible designs that allow for quick integration of new technologies and upgrades.

Conclusion

The recent subcontract awarded to GE Aerospace represents a critical step forward for the US Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft program. With GE Aerospace providing the digital backbone and health monitoring systems, the FLRAA is poised to deliver unmatched performance, adaptability, and sustainability for years to come. As the program progresses through its development phases, the collaboration between Bell Textron and GE Aerospace will be essential in ensuring that the FLRAA meets the high standards required by the Army, setting the stage for the future of military vertical lift aviation.