Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Sept. 23, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IF12771 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Jennifer DiMascio |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
The U.S. Army is developing the Future Long-Range
Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) to serve as a next-generation
aircraft for vertical lift, air assault, maritime interdiction,
aeromedical evacuation, combat search and rescue,
humanitarian relief, and tactical resupply. The Army
intends for FLRAA to eventually replace the Sikorsky UH60 Black Hawk medium-utility helicopter, which was
designed more than 50 years ago. Army Futures Command
Commanding General James E. Rainey testified that the
Army needs FLRAA to have the ability to fly twice as far
and twice as fast as previous rotorcraft, a capability he
called essential for operations in the Pacific region. The
Army is under contract with Textron Bell to build a
FLRAA prototype of its V-280 demonstrator aircraft. The
Administration has asked Congress for $1.26 billion for
FLRAA research, development, test, and evaluation in
FY2025.
