Upgraded UH-60 ‘V’ Black Hawk model completes initial operational test

Upgraded UH-60 ‘V’ Black Hawk model completes initial operational test
Upgraded UH-60 ‘V’ Black Hawk model completes initial operational test

The testing took place under “realistic battlefield conditions” and five UH-60V’s completed a total of 200 flight hours, the Army says.

AeroVironment wins first increment of Army’s future tactical drone competition

AeroVironment wins first increment of Army’s future tactical drone competition
AeroVironment wins first increment of Army’s future tactical drone competition

The Army will ship AeroVironment’s JUMP 20 to a brigade to meet an immediate operational need to replace RQ-7 Shadow. The service is holding a separate competitive rapid prototyping effort for increment two.

Army, Sikorsky ink 10th Black Hawk multiyear deal, worth at least $2.3 billion

Army, Sikorsky ink 10th Black Hawk multiyear deal, worth at least $2.3 billion
Army, Sikorsky ink 10th Black Hawk multiyear deal, worth at least $2.3 billion

If all options are exercised, the contract value could be $4.4 billion.

From Dutch to Deutsch, Army experiment wrangled wildly complex allied networking

From Dutch to Deutsch, Army experiment wrangled wildly complex allied networking
From Dutch to Deutsch, Army experiment wrangled wildly complex allied networking

“[I] don’t want to oversell it. We got way more work to do than what wins we made, but those were very encouraging signs,” said Maj. Gen. Walter Rugen, director of the Future Vertical Lift Cross-Functional Team.

With robo-choppers on the horizon, Army leaders envision ‘minimally manned’ missions

With robo-choppers on the horizon, Army leaders envision ‘minimally manned’ missions
With robo-choppers on the horizon, Army leaders envision ‘minimally manned’ missions

“I have a hard time believing we’re going to have 35 Rangers in the back of an aircraft and they’re going to go up and knock on the door of the cockpit and there’s no one in there,” said Gen. James McConville.

After delay, engine for Army’s FARA prototypes set for November delivery

After delay, engine for Army’s FARA prototypes set for November delivery
After delay, engine for Army’s FARA prototypes set for November delivery

Both vendors for the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft are waiting on the ITEP engine to fly their prototype recon helicopters.

CH-47F Chinook Block 2 moves toward production, without advanced rotor blades

CH-47F Chinook Block 2 moves toward production, without advanced rotor blades
CH-47F Chinook Block 2 moves toward production, without advanced rotor blades

The Army hasn’t committed to a large purchase of the cargo choppers, despite congressional pressure.

Army Wants To Accelerate FTUAS Drone

Army Wants To Accelerate FTUAS Drone
Army Wants To Accelerate FTUAS Drone

“I think it’s unanimous from all the soldiers involved that we got this one right,” said the Army’s project manager for the Future Tactical Unmanned Aerial System. Manned aircraft, FARA and FLRAA, are also moving out sharply.

Army Briefs Industry On Future Air & Ground Standards

Army Briefs Industry On Future Air & Ground Standards
Army Briefs Industry On Future Air & Ground Standards

“Modular open systems architecture… is the foundation of all our future modernization,” said Brig. Gen. Glenn Dean. The Bradley replacement, OMFV, will be the test case.

FVL: Sikorsky Shows Off S-97 Scout Chopper For Army

FVL: Sikorsky Shows Off S-97 Scout Chopper For Army
FVL: Sikorsky Shows Off S-97 Scout Chopper For Army

The S-97 Raider is Sikorsky’s proto-prototype for the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft. It’s competing with the Bell 360 Invictus — but unlike the S-97, the 360 isn’t flying yet.

FTUAS: Army Blown Away By New Drones (In Rain)

FTUAS: Army Blown Away By New Drones (In Rain)
FTUAS: Army Blown Away By New Drones (In Rain)

“Shadow could never fly in this type of moisture, couldn’t even come close,” Brig. Gen. Walter Rugen said, but all four FTUAS candidates made it through the rain. The formal Army Requirements Oversight Council process begins in weeks.

FVL: Army’s High-Speed Helicopters Hurtle Ahead

FVL: Army’s High-Speed Helicopters Hurtle Ahead
FVL: Army’s High-Speed Helicopters Hurtle Ahead

Bell and Sikorsky have started building their competing prototypes for the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) ahead of a Final Design Review in November. The vital digital architecture is still in development.

COVID Can’t Stop A Busy Summer For Army FVL

COVID Can’t Stop A Busy Summer For Army FVL
COVID Can’t Stop A Busy Summer For Army FVL

Despite disruptions worldwide, Future Vertical Lift flight tests, virtual industry days, and design reviews are all moving ahead on schedule or mere weeks behind.

Army’s Shift To FVL Poses Big Risks For Small Suppliers

Army’s Shift To FVL Poses Big Risks For Small Suppliers
Army’s Shift To FVL Poses Big Risks For Small Suppliers

After decades of building traditional helicopters in traditional ways, contractors must get ready for the Army’s new high-speed Future Vertical Lift aircraft. Small makers of key parts need help.