The US Army has accepted its first of two MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) virtual prototypes developed by Bell Textron, with the second scheduled for delivery later this month to the Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Based on the FLRAA’s digital twin, the advanced simulator is meant to be used for learning and assessment to shape the upcoming physical aircraft’s development. Eventually, it can also be upgraded into a flight training device.
Soldiers are intended to use it to test and give feedback on the rotorcraft’s design, hardware and software, performance, safety, as well as explore mission scenarios and tactics.
“Our virtual prototype demonstrates a clear path to delivering a next-generation multi-mission aircraft that will fundamentally change how the Army conducts long-range assault operations,” FLRAA Project Manager Col. Jeffrey Poquette noted.
This delivery is the culmination of a Middle Tier of Acquisition approach that was used to fast-track the program. It was followed by a Milestone B decision in June 2024 that moved the program to the engineering and manufacturing development phase.
Program Executive Officer for Army Aviation Brig. Gen. David Phillips praised the virtual prototype delivery, saying it “highlights the transformational power of digital engineering in aircraft development.”
“Thanks to consistent support from Army leadership, the Department of Defense, and Congress, we’ve been able to accelerate the FLRAA program and bring next-generation aviation capabilities to the warfighter faster than ever,” Phillips added.
Future Long Range Assault Aircraft
The FLRAA was developed to replace the US Army’s UH-60 Black Hawk medium utility helicopter fleet in service since 1979, with Bell’s V-280 as the selected aircraft.
In May, it was designated as MV-75, with the “MV” standing for Multi-Mission Vertical Takeoff and the “75” referring to the service’s founding year on June 14, 1775.
It will be assigned to the “Screaming Eagles” of the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
