UH-60M Blackhawks from Lockheed Martin Sikorsky and CH-47F Block II Chinooks from Boeing would have ended production in 2030 if the Army kept FARA going, a top service official testified.
By Valerie InsinnaIn addition to halting the FARA competition, service leaders want to end UH-60 V Blackhawk production, postpone moving the Improved Turbine Engine Program into production, and phase out legacy drones.
By Ashley RoqueSikorsky’s RAIDER X is designed to meet the U.S. Army’s Modular Open Systems Approach standards for the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft competition.
By Lockheed MartinThe simultaneous delivery to the two competitors comes after an approximately year-long delay for the new engine and paves the way for a flight test next year.
By Michael MarrowThe analysis of alternatives is needed for the program’s milestone B decision, and could help quell some lawmakers’ concerns about the Army’s acquisition strategy.
By Michael Marrow“Both engines are on-track to be delivered by the government to the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) competitive prototype vendors by the end of October 2023,” the Army wrote in a press release today.
By Ashley RoqueIn total, the Marine Corps plans to purchase up to 200 CH-53Ks as part of the program of record.
By Justin KatzObtaining the technical data packages from the two prime contractors will enable the Air Force to conduct more maintenance on its own and facilitate greater competition for sustainment contracts.
By Michael Marrow“We haven’t seen training requirements and there’s a whole plethora of different chapters that are yet to come, but the MoD has been as good as they can be in drip feeding us information,” said Lenny Brown, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters UK
By Tim Martin“We really just want to see the final tender and understand what the requirements are going to look like before we make a public announcement on our approach,” said Paul Lemmo, President of Sikorsky.
By Tim MartinWith possible alternatives still undefined and likely several years away, Sikorsky and supporters are leaning on Congress to rescue the HH-60W from planned cuts. But will the argument win the day?
By Michael Marrow“For the next 40 to 60 years, I see us continuing to incrementally improve [the Black Hawk fleet],” Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville told lawmakers on April 19.
By Ashley Roque“Manufacturing challenges” continue to plague the Army’s Improved Turbine Engine Program and delay FARA flight tests.
By Ashley RoqueThe new helicopters, to be based at Bardufoss Air Station in northern Norway, are to be used by the Norwegian Coast Guard for antisubmarine warfare (ASW) operations, but Oslo still has to decide on a separate acquisition to replace NH90 ASW capable platforms.
By Tim Martin