Army cancels FARA helicopter program, makes other cuts in major aviation shakeup

Army cancels FARA helicopter program, makes other cuts in major aviation shakeup
Army cancels FARA helicopter program, makes other cuts in major aviation shakeup

In 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.

Army delivers first ITEP engines to Bell, Sikorsky for FARA helos

Army delivers first ITEP engines to Bell, Sikorsky for FARA helos
Army delivers first ITEP engines to Bell, Sikorsky for FARA helos

The 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.

FARA analysis of alternatives set for end of the year, official says

FARA analysis of alternatives set for end of the year, official says
FARA analysis of alternatives set for end of the year, official says

The 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.

Army begins new engine acceptance for FARA prototypes

Army begins new engine acceptance for FARA prototypes
Army begins new engine acceptance for FARA prototypes

“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.

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How Future Vertical Lift Will Help The Army Prepare For A Converged Battlespace

How Future Vertical Lift Will Help The Army Prepare For A Converged Battlespace
How Future Vertical Lift Will Help The Army Prepare For A Converged Battlespace

The Army’s Fight for Battlefield Control is Changing, Lockheed Martin is Leaning in with Innovation

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.

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.

FVL: See The Army’s Future Scout In Flight

FVL: See The Army’s Future Scout In Flight
FVL: See The Army’s Future Scout In Flight

The Army will pick either the Bell 360 Invictus or the Sikorsky Raider-X as its Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft. Get a close-up look at both contenders.

FARA: Sikorsky Touts Cutting-Edge Tech

FARA: Sikorsky Touts Cutting-Edge Tech
FARA: Sikorsky Touts Cutting-Edge Tech

The Raider-X compound helicopter not only meets the Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance needs today, Sikorsky FARA director Tim Malia told us: It has the margin for growth “to be a good investment for the taxpayer for decades to come.”

FARA: Bell Touts ‘Elegance In Simplicity’

FARA: Bell Touts ‘Elegance In Simplicity’
FARA: Bell Touts ‘Elegance In Simplicity’

The Bell design for the Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft isn’t as revolutionary as archrival Sikorsky’s. But, Bell says, that’s an advantage in the mud and chaos of real warzones.

FVL: Army Picks Bell & Sikorsky For FARA Scout

FVL: Army Picks Bell & Sikorsky For FARA Scout
FVL: Army Picks Bell & Sikorsky For FARA Scout

The Bell 360 Invictus and the Sikorsky Raider-X will vie for the final contract to build FARA, with rival prototypes in flight by 2023. Bell and Sikorsky (with Boeing) are also facing off for the FLRAA transport.

Fly The Deadly Skies With Raider-X

Fly The Deadly Skies With Raider-X
Fly The Deadly Skies With Raider-X

Only one contender for the Army’s future scout is derived from an aircraft that’s actually flown. Guess which?

What Will Boeing Offer For Army’s FARA Scout? Don’t Ask.

What Will Boeing Offer For Army’s FARA Scout? Don’t Ask.
What Will Boeing Offer For Army’s FARA Scout? Don’t Ask.

Whatever their aircraft is like, Boeing’s PR strategy is definitely stealthy. There’s a strategic reason for that.

Raider-X: Sikorsky’s Supersized S-97 For Army Scout

Raider-X: Sikorsky’s Supersized S-97 For Army Scout
Raider-X: Sikorsky’s Supersized S-97 For Army Scout

Sikorsky says their Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft design will fly faster, with bigger weapons, than archrival Bell’s. Bell says theirs will be cheaper and more reliable.