“This an important step for FLRAA and demonstrates the Army’s commitment to our highest aviation modernization priority,” said Army Acquisition Executive Douglas R. Bush.
The aircraft’s enhanced capabilities will be instrumental in executing rapid deployments, medical evacuations, and other critical missions.
Furthermore, engineers designed the FLRAA to operate in a variety of environments, including austere and contested territories.
“This is an exciting day for the Army … and more importantly for our Soldiers,” said 17th Chief of the US Army Aviation Branch Maj. Gen Michael C McCurry. “The FLRAA provides truly transformational capability to Army aviators as we uphold the sacred trust with the Soldier on the ground.”
First Flight Projected in 2026
Bell Textron secured the FLRAA contract in December 2022, marking the commencement of a multi-phase development program.
The recent Milestone B approval authorizes the company to begin designing and building six prototype aircraft. This phase will allow the Army to refine the aircraft’s design and address potential challenges.
The Army anticipates the first flight of the FLRAA in 2026, with the goal of replacing both the aging Black Hawk and Apache helicopters.
Low-rate initial production, on the other hand, is scheduled for 2028, leading to the deployment of operational units by 2030.
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