The U.S. Army’s future long-range aircraft, the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft program (FLRAA), is moving into the critical engineering and manufacturing development phase, estimated at $70 billion across its lifespan, to replace 2,000 Black Hawk utility helicopters. The Textron Bell-designed FLRAA is set to take over roles of the Black Hawk by 2030.
Textron Bell won the bid in late 2022 but faced protests by Sikorsky’s parent company, Lockheed Martin. The program’s initial unit, equipped in fiscal 2031, will undergo testing in FY27 to FY28. FLRAA is expected to travel 2,440 nautical miles without refueling, providing increased speed, range, and endurance.
Engineers and manufacturers will start building six prototype aircraft, with the first flight expected in 2026 and production in 2028. Digital engineering has accelerated the program’s development. Strategic importance is high due to the need for expanded maneuvers, command and control across vast distances, and medical evacuations.
