Bell Textron has created two virtual models of the MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), and the US Army has approved the first one. The second model is scheduled to be delivered later this month to the Aviation Center of Excellence in Fort Rucker, Alabama.
The sophisticated simulator is designed to be used for instruction and evaluation to influence the development of the future actual aircraft, as it is based on the FLRAA’s digital twin. Ultimately, it might also be transformed into a flight training instrument.
Its purpose is for soldiers to evaluate and offer feedback on the rotorcraft’s design, hardware, software, performance, safety, and to investigate potential mission scenarios and strategies.
“Our virtual prototype shows a clear route to producing the next-generation multi-mission aircraft that will revolutionize how the Army executes long-range assault operations,” said FLRAA Project Manager Col. Jeffrey Poquette.
This shipment is the culmination of a Middle Tier of Acquisition methodology that was used to expedite the program. After a Milestone B choice in June 2024, the initiative entered the engineering and production development stage.
Brig. Gen. David Phillips, the Army Aviation Program Executive Officer, lauded the virtual prototype delivery, calling it a demonstration of “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 continued.
