Vertical Flight

The impending shift from the OH-58D Kiowa to the AH-64 Apache will augment the capabilities of the Army's "most rapidly deployable" Combat Aviation Brigade, according to its commander.

The Navy's International Programs Office is working with NATO headquarters to facilitate potential sales of the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft to European allies, according to the officer in charge of the service's international programs.

The saga continues over the Army's effort to modernize its aviation training fleet, following a ruling this month in AgustaWestland's lawsuit over procurement of 16 additional training helicopters.

The Army has selected two contractors to produce early versions of an updated engine for its AH-64 Apache and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.

Marine Corps testers and the Office of Naval Research are teaming up to potentially air-launch a swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles out the back of a V-22 Osprey. 

ABOARD THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER CARL VINSON -- The Navy has begun experimenting with how to integrate the V-22 Osprey into an aircraft carrier's cyclic operations, as the service moves toward using the tiltrotor plane as its new carrier onboard delivery aircraft. 

The Marine Corps is pushing for the helicopter replacements being pursued under the Future Vertical Lift program to include "optionally manned" aircraft that can be flown by humans or operated remotely, depending on the mission.

The Army has undertaken a "comprehensive assessment" of service aviation, and a final report is forthcoming, according to the deputy chief of Training and Doctrine Command.

The Army has asked the Office of the Secretary of Defense for permission to proceed with its signature overhaul of aviation platforms, according to the program manager for the Improved Turbine Engine Program and Future Vertical Lift.