U.S. Army halts $20 billion helicopter revamp, pivots to unmanned tech

“We are diligently monitoring global events and are adapting,” General James Rainey, head of the Army Futures Command, told reporters yesterday. “We could be waging war as soon as tonight or this weekend.”

“The battlefield, especially witnessed in Ukraine, has taught us that aerial reconnaissance has fundamentally changed,” General Randy George, the Army's Chief of Staff, explained in a press release. “The use of sensors and weapons on various unmanned systems and in space has become more prevalent, longer-reaching, and more cost-effective than ever before.”

The FARA initiative was part of the broader Future Vertical Lift program. FARA aimed to design and construct light reconnaissance and attack helicopters to fill the void left by the retirement of the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters in 2017. Additionally, FARA was expected to take on some roles of the AH-64E (which had replaced the OH-58D) and, eventually, replace the AH-6/MH-6 used by special forces. To date, the FARA program has consumed $2 billion.

The requirements stipulated that the helicopter must achieve a speed of at least 180 knots (205 mph) and have a maximum weight of 14,000 lbs. Given the anticipation of future conflicts predominantly occurring in urban landscapes, the new helicopter was designed with a rotor diameter not exceeding 40 ft to navigate easily between buildings.

Ashley Roque from Breaking Defense highlighted the ironic twist in the decision to cancel the FARA program. Nearly twenty years ago, the US Army canceled the RAH-66 Comanche stealth helicopter program, followed by the discontinuation of the ARH-70A Arapaho helicopter sixteen years ago. Both were envisioned as successors to the OH-58D.

Originally, five contenders entered the competition: Boeing, Karem with a machine designated AR40, the AVX Aircraft and L3Harris Technologies consortium, and two firms that made it to the final round: Bell-Textron and Sikorsky.

Bell proposed the 360 Invictus – a twin-seat tandem cockpit helicopter in a conventional configuration, known humorously as the Sikorsky configuration. It integrates technical solutions from the Bell 525 Relentless, which achieved speeds of 200 knots (230 mph) during tests. Despite the Relentless being equipped with a five-blade rotor, the Invictus opted for a four-blade rotor design and featured wings to enhance lift.

Upon unveiling the initial artistic renderings of the Invictus, comparisons were instantly drawn to the Boeing/Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche. However, The War Zone revealed through industry insiders that the shape of the Invictus, although visually similar, was influenced by aerodynamic efficiency and resistance to gunfire, rather than stealth requirements. Nevertheless, the potential for a reduced radar cross-section was explored through advanced coatings, beyond what was achievable during the Comanche era.

Both the Comanche and Invictus feature similar tail rotor designs. Initially, the Bell 360 planned to use a fenestron, a fan-in-fin tail rotor, similar to the RAH-66. However, a traditional tail rotor was ultimately chosen for simplicity, minimal weight, and reliability, borrowing directly from the Bell 525’s design.

The competing Raider X derives from Sikorsky's X2 technology, which also inspired the S-97 Raider flown in May 2015. The Raider X, approximately 20% larger to accommodate the GE Aerospace T901-GE-900 Improved Turbine Engine (ITE), builds on the S-97's trials to refine the aerodynamic concept and control strategies.

The power unit, the T901-900 engine, was a predetermined choice, set to be integrated into both the AH-64 and UH-60. This engine is expected to deliver up to 4,000 horsepower with a 25% reduction in fuel consumption. Additionally, the decision was made to equip FARA with the General Dynamics XM915 20 mm caliber three-barrel rotary cannon as its primary weapon.

The U.S. is not abandoning its aspirations within the Future Vertical Lift project, particularly with the FLRAA (Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft) program, where the tiltrotor V-280 Valor, proposed by Bell Textron, is the victor. The termination of FARA frees resources for four new initiatives.

First, the US Army intends to enter a multi-year contract with Lockheed for UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, bypassing the upgrade to the UH-60V model. Second, it aims to greenlight the production of CH-47F Block II heavy transport helicopters. Third, it will invest in unmanned reconnaissance systems. Fourth, it intends to secure stable funding for the FLRAA program.

For clarity, the FARA program will not end immediately. If Congress allocates funding for it (and overcomes recent challenges), the program will continue until the end of the fiscal year on September 30. This allows for the completion of some planned testing and mitigates the impact of a sudden cessation of funds on the industry.

Although unlikely, Congress could extend the program's life by allocating funds for future years. Connecticut lawmakers, where Sikorsky is based, have expressed their disappointment, emphasizing that FARA was seen as a critical priority.

This turning point marks a significant moment in the history of combat helicopters. As General George highlighted, the experiences from conflicts like those in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip have impacted their utility. The future role of combat helicopters, particularly in reconnaissance, must evolve, incorporating drones as forward observers or for marking targets, enhancing their survival odds.

From the U.S. perspective, given the less likelihood of conflicts over steppes and more over vast oceans, the need for high-speed, long-range capabilities remains. While FARA's initial objectives might not materialize, the quest for an armed reconnaissance platform continues, likely with a pivot towards unmanned systems.

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