Quad A 2016: Little Bird replacement on horizon
Affectionately known as the 'street fighter' for its ability to operate in difficult urban terrain, the AH/MH-6 Little Bird provides capabilities to US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) that few other helicopters can match.
The platform is currently going through Block III upgrades, improving the airframe, cockpit and engine performance, which is likely to extend the helicopter's service life through to 2020 and beyond.
Despite these fresh modifications, SOCOM is at a point where it has to look at what comes after the Little Bird, according to Maj Gen Clayton Hutmacher, SOCOM's deputy commanding general.
'We are probably reaching the
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