Redstone Arsenal, Alabama – Today, the Army accepted its first MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) virtual prototype (VP).
Bell Textron, the original equipment manufacturer contracted to design and build the FLRAA weapon system, will deliver two VPs. Bell is scheduled to deliver the second VP to the Army later in June to the Aviation Center of Excellence.
“The delivery of the MV-75 Virtual Prototype highlights the transformational power of digital engineering in aircraft development,” said Brig. Gen. David Phillips, Program Executive Officer for Army Aviation. “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.”
The VPs’ development used an innovative acquisition approach beginning with the Middle Tier of Acquisition rapid prototyping pathway. After a successful Milestone B decision in June 2024, the FLRAA program transitioned to the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase of a major capability acquisition program.
The FLRAA VP is an advanced simulator based on a digital twin of the FLRAA weapon system. As a learning device, it will inform early design improvements, software development, verification, integration, and test. The VP will also help identify early tactics, techniques and procedures through experimentation in conjunction with Special User Evaluations where Soldiers assess different parts of the weapon system. Valuable Soldier feedback will continue to shape the aircraft’s design. The VPs can upgrade into flight training devices to further enhance training opportunities.
“We are incredibly proud to have reached this critical milestone,” said Col. Jeffrey Poquette, Project Manager for FLRAA. “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.”
The MV-75 FLRAA is the Army’s new long-range assault and multi-mission aircraft designed to fly twice as far and twice as fast as the current fleet. The VPs will help the Army understand and evaluate crew interfaces, performance, safety, and other aspects of the FLRAA weapon system before and after the prototype aircraft are available for testing.
About Bell
Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 85 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us.
We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of advanced air mobility.
Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours.
Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.
About Textron
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.
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