BLUF
The US Army is looking to use new vertical lift technology for its next aerial lift and attack helicopter capability.Summary
This article by Colin Jeffrey in New Atlas makes the following points:
- Improvements to helicopter legacy platforms are reaching their limit.
- Black Hawk, Apache, and Chinook helicopters are all in line for replacement.
- A $US100 billion contract is up for tender for the next generation of US Army attack helicopters.
- Part of the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program in the Joint Multi-Role (JMR-TD) program.
- The AVX Aircraft Company design has coaxial rotors, ducted fans and a retractable undercarriage.
- 435 km/h potential speed.
- Lift capacity 5,900 kg.
- Twelve combat troops & 4 crew.
- Rear cargo ramp.
- The Attack version has a belly turret and floor weapon doors.
- A similar approach to the AVX flying car concept.
- Competitors - Sikorsky S-97 Raider, Bell V-280 Valor, Karem TR36TD, and Boeing-Sikorsky SB-1 Defiant.
References
Posts related to this topic:
- The eye of the Tiger: Is the Australian Army preparing for the right conflict? | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
- Australia chooses Apache as Tiger helicopter replacement | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
- The Russian invasion has clear implications for the US Army | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
- New CMV-22B Osprey “A Game-Changer,” Says Navy Air Boss | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
References from the Web:
- OCT 2021 Report: US Army could field two new vertical lift aircraft if service lives within its means- Defense News.
- Future Vertical Lift ,Revolutionizing Army Aviation- Lockheed Martin
