Vertical Flight

Army aviators and their European counterparts are taking steps to improve interoperability in advance of a potential conflict in the region.

PHILADELPHIA, PA. -- Boeing officials plan to seek clarity from the Air Force about changes included in the latest draft request for proposals in the competition to replace the UH-1N Huey fleet, saying they’re unsure why the service is pushing certain requirements and seem to be pursuing a development program rather than an off-the-shelf procurement.

The Air Force will judge helicopters pitched to replace the UH-1N Huey on four criteria that were added into the classified second draft request for proposals earlier this month, a service spokeswoman told Inside the Air Force this week.

NASHVILLE, TN -- While the initial effort on Future Vertical Lift is focused on a medium-lift platform, the Army’s top priority remains an armed reconnaissance aircraft, according to the service's aviation branch chief.

NASHVILLE, TN -- The future success of Army aviation will depend on innovation not only in platforms, but in the service’s approach to warfare, according to a senior leader.

The Air Force's second draft request for proposals to replace the UH-1N Huey released April 19 formalizes a new acquisition strategy that lets companies install extra items onto their helicopters before production, as the service announced it would do in February.

U.S. Strategic Command chief Gen. John Hyten has rescinded a request for forces, more than a year after it was submitted to the Joint Staff, to add more security personnel at intercontinental ballistic missile sites while the Air Force replaces the UH-1N Huey.

The Marine Corps is disputing recent assertions that the CH-53K chopper is more expensive than an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, as the heavy-lift helicopter program awaits an initial production decision from Pentagon leadership.

The Army is taking a comprehensive approach to addressing "a significant inventory gap" in aviation warrant officers in the active component that risks spreading to the reserve components, a service official informed lawmakers.