According to a SOCOM official, the Army included feedback from the command that led to design changes like hardware for a refueling probe and features that will enable special operators to make unique modifications.
By Michael MarrowSpecial operators had planned for FARA to take the role of the AH-6, but the program’s cancellation “changed our equation,” a SOCOM official said.
By Michael MarrowThe manufacturer is shifting attention to alliance requirements in the aftermath of the US Army cancelling its next-generation Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) effort.
By Tim Martin and Ashley RoqueSikorsky is using remaining FARA dollars to test out the new T901 engine in anticipation of integrating it on a UH-60 M Black Hawk later this year.
By Ashley Roque“The Connecticut delegation has questions about why, with that [FY24] appropriation in hand, this happened,” said Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn.
By Valerie InsinnaUH-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