Bell Textron and Sikorsky obtain green light for further FLRAA work
Bell Textron and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation have each been selected for Competitive Demonstration and Risk Reduction (CD&RR) work on the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) programme.
The decision from the US Army’s Program Executive Office, Aviation (PEO Aviation) was announced on 16 March. PEO Aviation worked with US Army Contracting Command, Redstone.
The two-year agreements bring together government research with input from defence industry partners to reduce risks and inform future development and procurement of FLRAA weapon systems.
Patrick Mason, PEO Aviation programme executive officer, said: ‘We will be conducting analysis to refine the requirements, conceptual designs and acquisition approach… Ultimately, this information and industry feedback are vital to understanding the performance, cost, affordability, schedule risks and trades needed to successfully execute the FLRAA programme.’
As one of the US Army’s major modernisation priorities, FLRAA aims to enhance multi-domain operations, as well as provide improved air assault and medical evacuation support.
The army intends to equip its first unit with a FLRAA solution by FY2030. Bell Textron is offering the V-280 Valor tiltrotor, while the Sikorsky solution is the SB>1 Defiant.
More from Air Warfare
-
NATO’s Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability moves ahead with development contracts
The Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) programme is a transnational effort across NATO to replace a range of helicopters which are expected to begin retiring from the mid-2030s.
-
Boeing to upgrade software for KC-46A tanker
The KC-46A upgrades will improve the platform’s mission readiness, performance in challenged airspace and rapid deployment capabilities.
-
Teledyne FLIR promotes ITAR-free Star SAFIRE imaging payload at FIA
The Ultraforce 380-HDc, launched at Farnborough International Airshow, builds on Teledyne FLIR’s successful Star SAFIRE family of systems and is aimed at both the military and security markets.
-
Dutch and Austrian governments collaborate on Embraer C-390 acquisition at Farnborough
The two nations will split the acquisition of the C-390s to boost their airlift capacities.