US Army finally moves forward with FLRAA next-generation rotorcraft programme
The FLRAA, as part of the FVL concept, will deliver a next-generation ubiquitous US Army rotorcraft. (Photo: US Army)
The US Army has approved the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) Milestone B (MS B) Acquisition Decision Memorandum.
The move followed a preliminary design review and a meeting of the Army Systems Acquisition Review Council (ASARC) in June 2024 which concluded that all sources of programme risk had been adequately addressed. The passing of Milestone B allows the Army to look at contract options and push forward with the development of the FLRAA in an Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase.
The FLRAA project is an ongoing attempt to develop a replacement for the S-70 Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
First GCAP contract marks milestone for Edgewing, while UK waits on further funding
The design and development contract is set to run until the end of June and will now enable the partnership to drive the programme forward as it targets its 2027 demonstrator date.
-
UK SMEs remain vulnerable in effort to help build sovereign capabilities, JCNSS report warns
The report comes as heads of industry bodies warn that the delayed defence spending plan has left smaller and medium sized businesses in stasis, unable to plan or seek out further investment.
-
Norway revitalises effort to acquire a tactical-class UAV with $103 million competition
Norway first scoped the requirement in 2022, and included it in a defence strategy document in 2023. The announcement of a new framework agreement appears to have breathed fresh life into the effort.
-
March Drone Digest: Long-range, low-cost loitering munitions are changing warfare economics
The effective use of the Shahed-136 in the Iran war has highlighted the need for countries to acquire a domestically produced, low-cost, long-range loitering munition, with the US, Turkey and European nations all at various stages of developing a similar capability.
-
Franco-German alliance aims to resolve FCAS woes by end of April as dispute rolls on
The disagreement between French-German industry continues as both governments work to keep the programme alive and on track to develop and deliver a sixth-generation fighter jet.
-
US Air Force is eyeing cost-effective automated counter-drone solutions
The USAF is seeking on-the-move systems, subsystems or technologies capable of defending airbases and fixed and semi-fixed sites against small drone attacks.